William Henry Oliphant Smeaton
Tobias Smollett
"Tobias Smollett" by William Henry Oliphant Smeaton is a biographical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the life and achievements of Tobias George Smollett, a prominent 18th-century Scottish novelist and critic. It likely chronicles Smollett’s formative years, including his education and early literary influences, as well as his later works and contributions to English literature. The opening of the book delves into Smollett's background, emphasizing his birth, family history, and early education. The narrative illustrates the challenges he faced in his upbringing, including his father's struggles and his mother’s efforts to provide for him following his father’s death. Smollett's educational journey is highlighted, noting his early schooling and influential teachers, which ultimately fostered his literary ambitions. It sets the stage for his career as a novelist and critic, foreshadowing his significant role in the development of the English novel.