The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle (eBook)

Tobias George Smollett (1721–1771) was a Scottish poet and author, best known for his picaresque novels, which vividly depicted the robust societal tapestry of 18th-century Britain. Born in Dalquhurn, now part of Renton, Scotland, Smollett was apprenticed to a surgeon after attending the University of Glasgow. He later joined the navy, which provided him with experiences that would influence his literary work. His first novel, 'The Adventures of Roderick Random' (1748), introduced the sardonic and autobiographical style that would become his signature. It was followed by 'The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle' in 1751. This latter book continued Smollett's reputation as a key figure in the development of the novel; its episodic narrative and satirical picaresque form made it one of the era's most popular novels. Smollett's trenchant satire, sprawling narratives, and vibrant characterisations contributed to his legacy as a leading author of the Enlightenment in England. Other notable works include 'The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom', 'The Life and Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves', and his magnum opus, 'The Expedition of Humphry Clinker'. His translation of Miguel de Cervantes' 'Don Quixote', which is often overlooked, is also ripe with Smollet's unique flair for language and is considered a significant translation of the novel into English. Smollett's literary style influenced later writers, including Charles Dickens, and remains a valuable part of the canon of 18th-century English literature.