Short biography
Laurence Sterne (24 November 1713 – 18 March 1768) was an Irish-born English novelist and an Anglican clergyman. He wrote the novels The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman and A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy, and also published many sermons, wrote memoirs, and was involved in local politics. Sterne died in London after years of fighting tuberculosis.
(Source: Wikipedia entry on Laurence Sterne)