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Why did Laurence Sterne not complete the Italy section of A Sentimental Journey?

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Laurence Sterne did not complete the Italy section of A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy because he died shortly after the book's publication in early 1768.1

While the title of the novel suggests a journey through both France and Italy, the narrative concludes while the protagonist, Yorick, is still in France. Sterne, who had suffered from tuberculosis for many years, collapsed and passed away in his London lodgings shortly after the work was released to the public.21