Tobias Smollett
Tobias Smollett was a Scottish author and physician known for his picaresque novels, such as 'The Adventures of Roderick Random' and 'The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle,' which provided a satirical and biting portrayal of 18th-century British society. He was also a translator, most notably of Miguel de Cervantes' 'Don Quixote.' His works are celebrated for their vigorous narrative, vivid characters, and humor.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Expedition of Humphry Clinker
This novel is a humorous epistolary narrative, told through a series of letters, that follows the adventures of the Bramble family as they travel throughout England and Scotland. The family's travels are filled with a variety of comical incidents, and their encounters with different people and places provide a satirical commentary on 18th century British society. The novel also explores themes of class, romance, and the contrast between city and country life.
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2. The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle
"The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle" is a picaresque novel that follows the life of the titular character, a young man of wealth and status, who is known for his mischievous behavior and adventures. The novel is a satirical commentary on 18th-century British society, showcasing the protagonist's encounters with various characters, from nobility to the impoverished. Despite his numerous escapades and romantic entanglements, Peregrine's life takes a turn when he loses his fortune, leading to his imprisonment and eventual redemption.
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3. The Adventures Of Roderick Random
This novel follows the tumultuous life of its eponymous protagonist, a young man of mixed fortune who embarks on a series of adventures across the seas and through various countries. Born to a gentlewoman and a disinherited gentleman, he faces the harsh realities of poverty and social injustice from an early age. After enduring a difficult childhood and an apprenticeship to a cruel surgeon, he joins the navy, where he encounters a colorful cast of characters and experiences the brutality of naval warfare. His journey is marked by romance, friendship, and a quest for retribution, as he navigates the complexities of 18th-century society, seeking to overcome the obstacles of his birth and fortune to secure a place for himself and his loved ones.
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4. The Adventures Of Ferdinand Count Fathom
This novel follows the life and misadventures of the titular character, a cunning and unscrupulous man who travels across Europe exploiting and manipulating everyone he encounters. Born to obscure origins, he rises through society using deceit and fraud, embodying the picaresque hero with a dark twist. The narrative, rich in satire, explores themes of morality, vice, and the nature of human deceit, offering a biting critique of eighteenth-century European society. Through a series of increasingly audacious schemes, the protagonist navigates the complexities of love, betrayal, and ambition, ultimately providing a deep commentary on the human condition and the societal norms of the time.
