Oliver Goldsmith

Oliver Goldsmith was an Irish writer, poet, and physician best known for his literary works, including The Vicar of Wakefield and She Stoops to Conquer. He also authored History of the Earth and Animated Nature (1774), a popular natural history compendium that offered readers an accessible exploration of geology, zoology, and botany. Although Goldsmith was not a scientist, he skilfully compiled and interpreted existing knowledge, bringing it to life through engaging prose and vivid descriptions. His works were illustrated with engravings that, though scientifically limited by his era’s standards, captivated audiences and reflected Goldsmith's vision of nature as wondrous and interconnected.