Author
T. (Tobias) Smollett
1721-1771
T. (Tobias) Smollett (1721-1771) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by T. (Tobias) Smollett
The Expedition of Humphry Clinker
"The Expedition of Humphry Clinker" by Tobias Smollett is an epistolary novel published in 1771. Six correspondents—including a gouty Welsh squire, his husband-hunting sister, and their servants—chronicle a journey through England and Scotland's fashionable spa towns and resorts. Through wildly contrasting letters describing the same events, Smollett satirizes eighteenth-century British society, class pretensions, and urban life. The mysterious ostler Humphry Clinker joins their travels, bringing comic misadventures, romantic entanglements, and surprising revelations that transform the expedition.
The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Complete
"The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom" by Tobias Smollett is a satirical novel written in the mid-18th century. The narrative follows the cunning and morally ambiguous character of Ferdinand Count Fathom, a man of mysterious parentage armed with an extraordinary talent for deception and manipulation. The story sets the stage for themes of vice and virtue, exploring Fathom’s escapades and schemes as he navigates a world ripe for exploitation. The opening of the novel introduces Fathom in an unusual light—born under strange circumstances to a mother who flitted between roles in military encampments and armies. We explore the early influence of his mother, an adventurous and fierce figure whose exploits paint a picture of a wild and unrestrained environment. As Fathom grows, he exhibits a blend of charisma and villainy, drawing the attention of powerful patrons while developing ambitions of his own. With a sharp wit and an ability to adapt, he becomes both an object of admiration and contempt, preparing the reader for a complex journey through deceit, ambition, and the nature of morality.
The Adventures of Roderick Random
"The Adventures of Roderick Random" by T. Smollett is a picaresque novel published in 1748. Born to a Scottish gentleman and cast out by his family, young Roderick Random must survive by his wits alone in eighteenth-century Britain. From London to the West Indies, he encounters malice, deception, and hypocrisy at every turn while pursuing wealthy women and seeking his rightful place as a gentleman. Drawing on Smollett's own naval experience, this satirical tale exposes the brutality and corruption of its age.
Travels through France and Italy
"Travels through France and Italy" by Tobias Smollett is a travel book published in 1766. Written as a series of letters from a two-year journey through France and Italy, the work documents Smollett's observations with sharp wit and acerbic commentary on French and Italian customs, hygiene, and society. His frequently critical tone appealed to British readers but later made him the target of Laurence Sterne's satire. The book helped popularize the French Riviera among British travelers and influenced the development of travel literature.
The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle
"The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle" by T. Smollett is a picaresque novel first published in 1751. It follows an egotistical young gentleman rejected by his cruel mother and raised by the eccentric Commodore Hawser Trunnion. Through Peregrine's adventures across 18th-century European society—from Oxford to France to debtors' prison—Smollett satirizes human cruelty, stupidity, and greed. The novel depicts elaborate practical jokes, colorful misanthropes, and a journey from youthful arrogance to eventual repentance and love.
The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol.II. Continued from the Reign of William and Mary to the Death of George II.
"The History of England in Three Volumes, Vol. II." by Tobias Smollett is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This volume focuses on the events surrounding the reign of William and Mary, covering the period from the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution to the death of George II. The narrative delves into the political changes, social conflicts, and significant battles that occurred during this transformative era in English history. The opening portion of this volume details the state of England immediately after the Revolution and the corresponding transformation of its constitution. It explains how the monarchy's power was redefined in light of the new parliamentary authority and the political dynamics among various factions such as the Whigs and Tories. Key events, such as the coronation of William III and the early challenges faced by his administration—including mutinies in the army and contentious parliamentary debates—are introduced. The reader is given insight into the tensions between the monarchy and parliament, as well as the societal implications of these shifts, setting the stage for the broader conflicts explored in the subsequent chapters.
The Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves
"The Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves" by Tobias Smollett is a novel likely written in the mid-18th century. This tale follows the protagonist, Sir Launcelot Greaves, who aspires to become a knight-errant, embarking on a quest to uphold virtue and justice, echoing the themes of chivalry and adventure present in romantic literature. The opening of the novel begins with four travelers seeking refuge from a storm in a public house along the northern road from York to London. As they gather in the kitchen, their vibrant personalities become apparent, particularly that of Captain Crowe, an impetuous sailor, and his nephew, Tom Clarke, a compassionate young lawyer. They engage in anecdotes showcasing their camaraderie and individual quirks—Crows’ impulsive nature contrasting with Clarke's law-talk and sensitivity to others’ plights. The chapter introduces Ferret, a cynical character with a penchant for contradiction, who stirs tension and dissatisfaction among the group while hinting at the overarching themes of societal critique and the exploration of morality and human nature that will unfold throughout the narrative.
The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Volume 01
"The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom" by Tobias Smollett is a novel written in the mid-18th century. This work follows the life and exploits of Ferdinand Count Fathom, a cunning and somewhat unscrupulous adventurer navigating a world filled with intrigue, deception, and ambition. Set against a backdrop of military endeavors and personal quests for wealth and status, the narrative delves into Fathom's relationships with various characters, including his mother—a spirited camp follower—and his noble patron, Count de Melvil. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the engaging yet morally ambiguous character of Ferdinand. It begins with a preface from the author, who reflects on the challenges of historical storytelling and the complexity of human motivations. The story unfolds by outlining Ferdinand's early life marked by uncertainty regarding his parentage, and the notable influence of his mother in shaping his early experiences. As the narrative progresses, Ferdinand's talents and ambitious nature are highlighted as he maneuvers through his education and military life, eventually captivating the attention of those around him. The early chapters lay the groundwork for Fathom's schemes and the dynamics of his relationships, setting the stage for a gripping tale of adventure and moral ambiguity.
The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Volume 02
"The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom — Volume 02" by Tobias Smollett is a novel likely written in the mid-18th century. The story follows the titular character, Ferdinand Count Fathom, a complex and manipulative adventurer navigating through a world of intrigue, deception, and personal ambition within an array of eccentric characters. The novel explores themes of morality, social class, and the consequences of one’s actions, especially in the face of adversity and human relationships. At the start of this volume, the narrative introduces Count Fathom in a prison setting where he encounters a variety of inmates, including a self-proclaimed king and a cast of characters with interesting backstories. Fathom’s keen interest in the dynamics of prison life leads him to engage in conversations that reveal the characters' backgrounds, creating a microcosm of society within the jail. Soon, he learns about the distress of another prisoner, Renaldo, and the tricky situation concerning love and loyalty as he overhears that Renaldo has fallen into despair due to his affections for the beautiful Monimia. Fathom's manipulative nature shines as he seeks to exploit the emotional turmoil around him, revealing a foreshadowing of conflict between friendship, love, and betrayal.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Tobias Smollett
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Tobias Smollett" by T. Smollett is a compiled index of literary works, primarily novels and historical accounts, written in the 18th century. The book serves as a catalog for readers interested in exploring the diverse range of writings by Tobias Smollett, a notable English novelist and satirist. It includes major works like "The Expedition of Humphry Clinker," "The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle," and "The Adventures of Roderick Random," providing a comprehensive overview of his contributions to literature. The opening of this index presents a structured layout of Smollett's works, revealing the organization that facilitates readers' navigation through his literary oeuvre. It lists titles along with chapter summaries and character descriptions, indicating the thematic richness and narrative complexity found within. The compilation effectively introduces readers to Smollett's range of characters, from the whimsical to the adventurous, while setting the stage for a deeper exploration of his significant influence on literature during his time.