The 18th century saw tremendous growth in English literature. Several classics were written in the period, including:

• Robinson Crusoe by Daniel DeFoe (1660-1731)

• The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding (1707- 1754)

• The Vicar of Wakefield by Oliver Goldsmith (1730-1774)

(Goldsmith also wrote the enormously popular play She Stoops to Conquer -- still performed today and a true classic!)

The plays of William Shakespeare also enjoyed renewed popularity in the 18th-century, thanks largely to the efforts of David Garrick. Garrick, (1717- 1779) was considered the greatest actor of his day and he did much to restore the original content to Shakespeareís works.

Any of these books and plays offer excellent reading and all 18th-century gentlemen would have at least been familiar with them. The links above will direct you to on-line texts of these classics, and they may also be had from your local library in the event that, like myself, you prefer the tactical experience of actually handling a fine book.

There is also an excellent resource for 18th-century journals, including the Gentleman's Magazine, here. Though the archive is, at present, somewhat limited, this collection offers some excellent browsing. Go to the link and click on "browse."

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