The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (eBook)

Tobias George Smollett (1721–1771) was a Scottish poet and author who became an influential British novelist of the 18th century. Smollett's literary career was marked by his mastery of the picaresque novel, characterized by vivid satire and roguish protagonists who adventure through a corrupt society. Arguably, his most celebrated work is 'The Expedition of Humphry Clinker' (1771), which was the last of his novels and is often considered his finest. This epistolary novel chronicles the comic misadventures of the titular character and his companions as they travel throughout Britain, allowing Smollett to critique and satirize the social and political landscape of his time with wit and a keen eye for detail. Smollett's other notable works include 'Roderick Random' (1748), 'Peregrine Pickle' (1751), and 'The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom' (1753). His ability to weave humor with a strong narrative and intricate characters has merited his place in the pantheon of literary greats, influencing generations of English novelists to come. Smollett also served as an editor of a comprehensive 'Universal History' from the earliest times to the year 1763 and translated many important works, including Cervantes's 'Don Quixote.' His contributions extend to journalism and historical writing, which further cemented his versatile engagement with the literary world.