Elkins, William McIntire, 1882-1947

Oliver Goldsmith was an Anglo-Irish author best known for his novel The Vicar of Wakefield (1766) and his play She Stoops to Conquer (1773). He was most likely born in Pallas, Ireland between 1728 and 1731. He attended Trinity College and studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Leyden. From 1754 to 1756 he traveled through Europe and may have obtained a medical degree. It is known that he failed the examination at the College of Surgeons. In 1756 he moved to London and practiced unsuccessfully as a physician. From 1757 he began writing, editing, and proof-reading for various magazines. These magazines included British Magazine, Bee, and Lady's Magazine . From 1760 to 1761 he became a proof-reader and preface-writer for the publisher John Newberry. Newbery is credited with popularizing children's literature, and the Newberry Medal was named in his honor. One of Goldsmith’s better know contributions to Newbery’s magazines was the "Chinese Letters" for Public Ledger . In 1762 he founded the Samuel Johnson's literary club known as The Club, with several other writers. Oliver Goldsmith died from a kidney infection on April 4, 1774.

Bibliography:

International Dictionary of Theatre. Gale, vol. 2.

From the guide to the Oliver Goldsmith papers, 1758-1798, (Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department)