If you enjoy reading books by Oliver Goldsmith then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoyed Oliver Goldsmith's satirical eye and sharp wit, you'll likely appreciate Henry Fielding. His work often pokes fun at society and human folly with humor and clear observation.
In his notable novel Tom Jones, Fielding gives readers engaging characters, comic situations, and thoughtful insights into human behavior.
Fans of Goldsmith's playful literary style might find Laurence Sterne entertaining and innovative. Sterne experiments with storytelling in a clever, humorous, and unconventional way.
His book The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman humorously questions traditional narrative structures and makes readers laugh while reflecting on the nature of literature itself.
If you liked Goldsmith's blend of humor, social commentary, and vivid storytelling, you might enjoy Tobias Smollett. His fiction offers energetic narratives, filled with adventures, humor, and memorable characters that reveal much about humanity.
A standout example is The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, a novel packed with sharp wit and lively depictions of 18th-century life.
Oliver Goldsmith fans who enjoy incisive commentary, human nature insights, and clear, lively prose will also like Samuel Johnson. Johnson's writing—whether essays, poems, or moral tales—often explores ethical dilemmas and daily concerns with care and humor.
A good place to start is The History of Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia, a witty tale about the search for happiness and meaning.
Readers who like Goldsmith's sharp comedic sense and satirical portrayal of societal manners will likely enjoy Richard Brinsley Sheridan. He is best known as a playwright producing sharp dialogue, clever characterization, and humorous situations.
His famous comedy The School for Scandal neatly captures the hypocrisy and vanity of 18th-century society with wit and agility.
If you enjoy Oliver Goldsmith's lively storytelling and exploration of character morality, you'll probably appreciate Daniel Defoe. Defoe often combines adventure with thoughtful reflections on human nature, society, and survival.
His book Robinson Crusoe follows the remarkable experiences of a man stranded on a deserted island, bringing together suspense, practical wisdom, and detailed introspection in an engaging narrative.
Jonathan Swift shares Oliver Goldsmith's sharp wit and insightful criticism of society and human weaknesses.
Swift's satire is biting yet humorous, evident in Gulliver's Travels, where travels to strange lands cleverly expose human foibles, political folly, and social absurdities. If you like how Goldsmith examines society through humor and satire, Swift will certainly resonate.
Alexander Pope offers readers the elegance of poetic style and sharp satirical commentary that fans of Goldsmith will appreciate. His poem The Rape of the Lock cleverly mocks the trivial concerns and petty behavior of society's upper classes through a witty, playful storyline.
Pope's keen observations of human vanity and elegant verses might be just what Goldsmith readers are looking for.
Jane Austen, much like Oliver Goldsmith, skillfully portrays the manners and morals of her characters with humor and subtle social commentary. Austen's stories, though often romantic, sharply critique social pretensions and examine human behavior with gentle irony.
Her novel Pride and Prejudice explores family relationships, misunderstandings, and social expectations with charm, wit, and plenty of insight into the human experience.
William Congreve will appeal to readers who appreciate Goldsmith's comedic flair and lively depiction of social manners. Congreve's witty dialogue and clever observations are evident in his classic comedy The Way of the World.
Through humorous and sophisticated exchanges among characters, Congreve pokes fun at the superficiality and schemes of polite society, similar in tone to Goldsmith's humorous commentary.
George Farquhar wrote plays filled with wit, humor, and sharp social commentary. Readers who enjoy Oliver Goldsmith’s playful style and satirical take on society may find Farquhar’s comedy The Beaux' Stratagem particularly enjoyable.
The play pokes fun at social pretensions and romantic mishaps with great humor and warmth.
John Gay used humor and satire to explore society's flaws, much like Oliver Goldsmith. His famous work, The Beggar's Opera, cleverly mocks corruption and superficiality in politics and upper-class society.
Gay's sharp wit and clear storytelling appeal directly to those who appreciate Goldsmith's humorous yet insightful approach.
James Boswell was an observant writer who captured personality and conversation brilliantly.
Although he is best known for biography rather than fiction or drama, fans of Goldsmith's lively and perceptive look at human nature might appreciate Boswell's The Life of Samuel Johnson.
Boswell offers a clear-eyed, engaging portrait of his subject in vivid, conversational prose.
Sarah Fielding’s novels share Oliver Goldsmith’s thoughtful look at human nature and morality, delivered with gentle humor and insight. Her novel, The Adventures of David Simple, follows a protagonist seeking honesty and friendship in a world of deception.
Like Goldsmith, Fielding explores human character and morality through engaging narrative and appealing characters.
Fans of Oliver Goldsmith’s humorous critique of society might also enjoy Charles Dickens’ vivid novels. Dickens often portrays quirky, memorable characters who highlight social injustice and human folly through humor and empathy.
His novel Oliver Twist mixes comedic moments, biting satire, and compassionate portrayals of hardship, appealing to readers who enjoy Goldsmith’s balanced view of humanity.