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Considered scandalous at the time, ‘A Political Romance’ is a satirical look at the relationship between the Church and the Law.

Written before Sterne's ‘Tristram Shandy’ books (later adapted for film, as ‘A Cock and Bull Story, starring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon), it tells the tale of a small-town quarrel between a dean, an archbishop, and an ecclesiastical lawyer.

While you might think their argument might be something to do with spiritual issues, it is actually over a greatcoat.

Did this book deserve to be burned after its publication? Decide for yourself, with this superb read from one of the greats of the 18th Century.



Born in Ireland, Laurence Sterne (1713 – 1768) was the son of a commissioned officer in the British army. As a result, the first 10 years of his life were spent travelling from place to place. However, at the age of 11, he was sent to boarding school in England, under the care of his brother. After leaving Jesus College with a Bachelor of Arts, he was ordained both a priest and a deacon.

While he had previously written for the ‘York Gazetteer’, Sterne’s uncle encouraged him to write for political journals, much to the consternation of the rest of the family. This was followed by his first novel, ´A Political Romance´, which also put religion under the spotlight.

After failing in the role of a farmer, he wrote his most famous book, ‘The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman.’ Six years later, he was to become part of the abolitionist movement, after publicly replying to a letter from former slave, writer, and composer, Ignatius Sancho.

Sterne died in London, aged 54.


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