Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne

Tristram Shandy
Author: Laurence Sterne
Publisher: W.W. Norton
Edition: 1980
Binding: Paperback
Pages: 650
Size: 4.5 inch x 8 inch

First published in the mid-1700s and still celebrated centuries later, The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne stands as one of the most inventive and singular works in English literature. This 1980 W.W. Norton edition captures the eccentric brilliance of a novel that was ahead of its time, both in style and substance.

With a narrative that consistently avoids moving in a straight line, Sterne’s novel is filled with digressions, metafictional asides, typographical oddities, and breaking of the fourth wall—long before such techniques became common in literature. Ostensibly the autobiography of Tristram Shandy, the book is far less about the events of his life and more about how he attempts (and frequently fails) to tell his story. The novel lampoons the form of the autobiography itself, veering into philosophical tangents, meditations on language, and loving portraits of absurd characters like Uncle Toby and Corporal Trim.

What makes Tristram Shandy enduringly fascinating is its playful structure, where time seems to stand still and entire volumes are consumed by the smallest incidents. Sterne uses this non-linear storytelling to critique the rigidity of Enlightenment logic, blending humor, sentimentality, and deep psychological insight.

This edition by W.W. Norton includes helpful annotations that guide modern readers through the historical, linguistic, and literary references, making it both accessible and rewarding for students, scholars, and casual readers alike.

Whether approached as a comic novel, a philosophical exploration of human nature, or a literary experiment centuries ahead of its time, Tristram Shandy remains a timeless celebration of the novel as a limitless form of expression.

• A seminal work in English literature and a classic of metafiction

• Challenges traditional narrative structure with wit and creativity

• Rich in satire, character study, and philosophical humor

• Annotated edition enhances understanding of historical and literary context

• Features memorable characters like Uncle Toby and Dr. Slop

• Praised by modernists like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce for its innovation

• A cornerstone of experimental fiction and literary playfulness

• Ideal for readers of literary fiction, satire, and postmodern narratives