We know from internal evidence that _Tristram Shandy_ was begun in the
early days of 1759; and the first two volumes were probably completed
by about the middle of the year. "In the year 1760," writes Sterne, "I
went up to London to publish my two first volumes of _Shandy_." And it
is stated in a note to this passage, as cited in Scott's memoir, that
the first edition was published "the year before" in York. There is,
however, no direct proof that it was in the hands of the public before
the beginning of 1760, though it is possible that the date of its
publication may just have fallen within the year. But, at all
events, on the 1st of January, 1760, an advertisement in the _Public
Advertiser_ informed the world that "this day" was "published, printed
on superfine writing-paper, &c., _The Life and Opinions of Tristram
Shandy_. York. Printed for and sold by John Hinxham, Bookseller in
Stonegate." The great London publisher, Dodslecy, to whom the book
had been offered, and who had declined the venture, figures in the
advertisement as the principal London bookseller from whom it was
to be obtained. It seems that only a few copies were in the first
instance sent up to the London market; but they fell into good hands,
for there is evidence that _Tristram Shandy_ had attracted the notice
of at least one competent critic in the capital before the month of
January was out.
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