A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy

In this classic comic novel, Sterne's lascivious protagonist, Mr. Yorick, a down-at-heel  English gentleman aimlessly touring France, encompasses shop-girls as well as duchesses in his thorough exploration of French society and, in particular, of French women. Sterne's novel, first published in 1768,  satirizes the pious sentimentalism and dry travelogues of his time, abandoning monuments and historical sites in favor of an erratic itinerary as Yorick gets personally involved with everyone he happens to meet, following his keen curiosity about all things human and any opportunity he perceives for a romantic encounter.  His Flirtations lead to misunderstandings, backtracking, and hilarious entanglements. That this novel has not lost its appeal can be attributed in great part to the narrative swings between  biting satire and lyrical outpourings of sentiment, with comic eroticism acting as its unifying principle.