the work

A History of the Earth, and Animated Nature

The History of the Earth and Living Creatures is a natural history work published in 1774 by novelist, poet, and journalist Oliver Goldsmith. This eight-volume work describes the history of the Earth, its geographical features, and the various creatures that inhabit it, with the aim of raising interest in the natural world and popularizing scientific knowledge among the general public.

Oliver Goldsmith Biography

• Born November 10, 1730 in County Longford, Ireland.
• He studied medicine at Trinity College Dublin, but dropped out.
• After wandering around Europe, he settled in London.
• He makes a living as a writer, writing poems, novels, plays, essays, and more.
• In 1774, he published The History of the Earth and Living Creatures.
• He died in London on April 4, 1774 (aged 43).

Representative works

• novel:

  • The Vicar of Wakefield (1766)

• Plays:

  • The Good-Natur'd Man (1768)
  • She Stoops to Conquer (1773)

• Poetry:

  • The Deserted Village (1770)

• others:

  • A History of the Earth, and Animated Nature (1774)

Characteristics and influence of this book

"A History of the Earth and Living Things" is an enlightening book on natural science that draws on Goldsmith's wide-ranging knowledge and literary talent . He introduces various natural phenomena, including animals, plants, and minerals, with poetic prose and easy-to-understand explanations. Although the book was not written based on the scientific knowledge of the time, its fascinating text and beautiful illustrations have aroused interest in the natural world among many people and contributed to the dissemination of scientific knowledge.

This book went through many editions from the late 18th century through the 19th century and was widely read in Europe and America. Its influence extended not only to the fields of natural science, but also to literature and the arts, and it is said to have influenced the Romantic view of nature.

"A History of the Earth and Its Living Creatures" is one of Goldsmith's masterpieces , combining his passion for natural science with his literary talent . This work allows us, even today, to feel the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and the mystery of life.