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.

This collection is comprised of letters and other documents to and from Oliver Goldsmith. The first series has letters and documents from members of “The Club” as well as documents related to Oliver Goldsmith’s works. The second series is composed of contracts between Oliver Goldsmith and John Newbery. Of particular interest are Newbery’s financial accounts with Oliver Goldsmith and accounts kept by Goldsmith’s landlady Elizabeth Fleming on Oliver Goldsmith’s living arrangements.

This collection is arranged into two series: 1. Goldsmith and 2. Goldsmith-Newberry papers. Materials are arranged in alphabetical order by author, and then by chronological order.

Publication Information:

Free Library of Philadelphia: Rare Book Department

Finding Aid Author:

Finding aid prepared by Garrett Boos

Sponsor:

The processing of this collection was made possible through generous funding from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, administered through the Council on Library and Information Resources’ “Cataloging Hidden Special Collections and Archives” Project.

Access Restrictions:

This collection is open to researchers by appointment. Please contact the Curator for information on access.

Use Restrictions:

The right of access to material does not imply the right of publication. Permission for reprinting, reproduction, or extensive quotation from the rare books, manuscripts, prints, or drawings must be obtained through written application, stating the use to be made of the material. The reader bears the responsibility for any possible infringement of copyright laws in the publication of such material. A reproduction fee will be charged if the material is to be reproduced in a commercial publication.

Some of the materials in this collection may be too fragile for use without the Curator’s supervision.

Processing Information:

This finding aid was entered into AT by Garrett Boos from legacy data compiled by the Rare Book Department. Each item was examined and description enhanced and standardized where necessary.

Immediate Source of Acquisition:

Gift of William McIntire Elkins.

British Library: GOLDSMITH-PERCY PAPERS, Add. 42515.

• Correspondence
• Manuscripts

• Burney, Charles, 1726-1814
• Carr, John, 1723-1807
• Colman, George, 1732-1794
• Cumberland, Richard, 1631-1718
• Dodsley, James, 1724-1797
• Garrick, David, 1717-1779
• Garrick, Eva Marie Violetti, 1724-1822
• Goldsmith, Oliver, 1730?-1774
• Griffin, William, 1766-1830
• Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784
• Langton, Bennet, 1737-1801
• Malone, Edmond, 1741-1812
• Newbery, John, 1713-1767
• Nourse, John, 1762?-1790
• Percy, Thomas, 1729-1811
• Reynolds, Joshua, Sir, 1723-1792
• Wingrave, Francis

• Authors