Showing results by author "Tobias Smollett" in All Categories

Don Quixote, the world's first novel and by far the best-known book in Spanish literature, was originally intended by Cervantes as a satire on traditional popular ballads, yet he also parodied the romances of chivalry. By happy coincidence he produced one of the most entertaining adventure stories of all time and, in Don Quixote and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, two of the greatest characters in fiction.

Tobias Smollett, in his creation of the Scot Roderick Random, exposes the sheer incompetence and injustice of the Royal Navy, as well as the snobbery and hypocrisy prevalent in English middle-class society at the time. Set in the mid-18th century, this picaresque novel follows the life and adventures of Roderick, the eponymous hero who has been shunned by his gentleman father's family on the basis of the lowliness of his mother's family.

Written as the letters of the five members of Squire Bramble's household sent as they journey around Britain, The Expedition of Humphry Clinker is a grouchy, very funny examination of how one story varies depending on who's doing the telling. The tale is centered around the arrival of Mr. Clinker into the otherwise uneventful household, who never speaks and does not even enter the novel until a third of the way through.

Matthew Bramble, a gout-ridden misanthrope, travels Britain with his nephew, niece, spinster sister, and man-servant, the trusty Humphry Clinker. In poor health, Bramble sees the world as one of degeneracy and raucous overcrowding, and will not hesitate to let his companions know his feelings on the matter. Peopled with pimps, drunkards, decadents, and con-men, Humphrey Clinker displays Smollett's ferociously pessimistic view of mankind, and his belief that the luxury of 18th-century English existence was the enemy of sense and sobriety.

The Adventures of Roderick Random is a picaresque novel by Tobias Smollett, first published in 1748. It is partially based on Smollett's experience as a naval-surgeon’s mate in the Royal Navy, especially during the Battle of Cartagena de Indias in 1741.

Join the whimsical journey of Peregrine Pickle, an egotistical dandy navigating the tumultuous waters of 18th century European society. Written by Scottish author Tobias Smollett and first published in 1751, this picaresque novel is a delightful blend of humor and sharp social commentary, capturing the misfortunes and fortunes of its unforgettable protagonist. Experience the rich tapestry of the era through Smolletts keen observations and vibrant storytelling. (Summary by Wikipedia)

You can call me Dr. Fathom or Count Fathom, but the truth is, I’m not who I claim to be. With a mother who was a soldiers harlot, scavenging the battlefield for valuables, and an unknown father, I learned early that honesty doesn’t always bring reward. Instead, charm and a well-timed lie opened doors. My path led me to a wealthy Hungarian count, who unwittingly made me a mentor to his naïve son, Renaldo. Oh, how I envied Renaldo’s fortune, his exquisite life, and his beautiful wife—if only for a fleeting conquest. This tale unfolds my schemes and desires, revealing how easily people ...

Dive into The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, the final picaresque masterpiece by Tobias Smollett, often hailed as his most humorous and brilliant work. First published in London on June 17, 1771, this epistolary novel unfolds through a series of letters penned by six distinct characters the cantankerous Welsh Squire Matthew Bramble, his spirited sister Tabitha, their charming niece and nephew Jery and Lydia Melford, Tabithas witty maid Winifred Jenkins, and Lydias earnest suitor Wilson. The humor shines as each character presents wildly different accounts of the same events, revealing their ...

Dieser mit Szenen britischen Humors geradezu gespickte Schelmenroman weist eine Besonderheit auf. Während in der Regel die Hauptfigur eines Romans, der „Held", nach kurzer Zeit die Sympathie des Lesers oder Hörers auf sich zieht, zeigt sich hier Peregrine Pickle schon als Kind als zwar hochbegabt, aber charakterlich problematisch. Der Autor selbst distanziert sich von seiner Figur an vielen Stellen ausdrücklich.

Die Mutter des Protagonisten hat während der Schwangerschaft einen Traum. Sie "kam mit einem Tennisball nieder, und der Teufel, der zu ihrem äußersten Entsetzen Hebammenstelle vertrat, schlug denselben so heftig mit einem Tennisschläger, dass sie ihn augenblicklich aus dem Gesichte verlor. Über diesen Verlust ihrer Erstgeburt war sie eine Zeitlang untröstlich; endlich kehrte der Ball mit der Heftigkeit wieder zu ihr zurück, mit welcher er verschwunden war, und fuhr unter ihren Füßen in die Erde. Unmittelbar darauf schoss ein schöner Baum voller Blüten auf, deren Geruch auf ihre Nerven so mächtig wirkte, dass sie erwachte."

Join Sir Launcelot Greaves on his whimsical journey across the country, accompanied by his comedic squire, as they strive to embody the ideals of knighthood and perform noble deeds. Written in the charming style reminiscent of Don Quixote, this novel by the author of The Expedition of Humphry Clinker and other 18th-century picaresque tales is a delightful read for anyone who appreciates sharp satire and clever humor. - Summary by Stav Nisser.

Join me, Roderick Random, on my contemporary odyssey through the highs and lows of orphan-hood, the clutches of poverty, the grasp of press gangs, and the pressure of maintaining a fashionable appearance despite it all. My adventures will introduce you to the colorful characters of eighteenth-century England, from audacious highway robbers and scandalous monks, to indebted gallants and corrupt officials. With my trusty sidekick, Strap, and my cherished friend Miss Williams, a reformed lady of the night, we navigate the challenges life throws at us. My tales, steeped in the wisdom of the ...