Autore: T. Smollett

Tobias George Smollett (1721–1771) was a Scottish writer, best known for his picaresque novels, which depicted the vigorous and tumultuous life of the 18th century with satire and realism. A naval surgeon before he became a writer, Smollett drew upon his varied life experiences, which ranged from the Caribbean to the London literary scene, to enhance the authenticity and scope of his work. His first novel, “The Adventures of Roderick Random” (1748), introduced readers to his ability to weave intricate plots with a colourful cast of characters, many of whom were based on people he had met in his travels. This novel, along with later works such as “The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle”, and “The Expedition of Humphry Clinker”, established Smollett as one of the prominent English novelists of his time, often compared to his contemporaries Henry Fielding and Samuel Richardson. Smollett”s literary style combined vivid narration, a strong sense of comedy, and a sharp eye for the ironies of life. His novels not only entertained but also provided keen insights into the social and political mores of his age, making him a critical figure in the development of the English novel.