Books by Tobias Smollett

The poems, plays, and political writings in this volume are essential to an understanding of Smollett and the literary and social currents of eighteenth-century England. In his introductions to the sections, Gassman traces the history of their publication and reception, and provides extensive explanations of historical and literary allusions.

This work brings to life Tobias Smollett's fourth novel, "The Life and Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves". This version includes more accurate text and critical information. It also includes an examination of "Sir Launcelot Greaves", the first illustrated serial novel.

An allegory of England during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763), draping kings and politicians, domestic and foreign affairs in a veil of satire. This is a book of tales about ancient Japan related to a London haberdasher by an atom that has lived in the bodies of great figures of state.

This edition of Smollett's classic features a comprehensive introduction, exhaustive textual editing, and detailed notes that cite passages from Smollett's non-fictional works and the works of his contemporaries to analyse the mass of allusions and references in the novel.

First published in 1753, this experimental work explores the relations between history and fiction while introducing episodes of Gothic melodrama. Filled with satiric thrusts at the legal, medical, and military establishments of mid-eighteenth-century Europe, the novel reveals Smollett's capacities as a commentator on contemporary life.

This is the definitive scholarly edition of Smollett's first novel, widely regarded as a masterpiece and a chief rival to Henry Fielding's comic novel Tom Jones. Surging with verbal, sexual, and martial energy, The Adventures of Roderick Random opens a window on life, love, and war in the eighteenth century.

William Thackeray called it "the most laughable story that has ever been written since the goodly art of novel-writing began." As a group of travellers visit places in England and Scotland, they provide through satire and wit a vivid and detailed picture of the contemporary social and political scene.

Matthew Bramble, a gout-ridden misanthrope, travels Britain with his nephew, niece, spinster sister and man-servant, the trusty Humphry Clinker. In poor health, Bramble sees the world as one of degeneracy and raucous overcrowding, and will not hesitate to let his companions know his feelings on the matter. Peopled with pimps, drunkards, decadents and con-men, Humphrey Clinker displays Smollett s ferociously pessimistic view of mankind, and his belief that the luxury of eighteenth-century England existence was the enemy of sense and sobriety. Presented in the form of letters from six very different characters, and full of joyful puns and double entendres, Humphrey Clinker is now recognised as a boisterous and observant masterpiece of English satire.Jeremy Lewis s introduction examines why Smollett has become an unjustly neglected figure of English literature, and how the time in which he lived became a crucible for his work. This new edition contains notes, a chronology and suggested reading.

Roderick Random (1748), Smollett's first novel, is full of the dazzling vitality characteristics of all his work, as well as of his own life. Roderick is the boisterous and unprincipled hero who answers life's many misfortunes with a sledgehammer. Left penniless, he leaves his native Scotland for London and on the way meets Strap, and old schoolfellow. Together they undergo many adventures at the hands of scoundrels and rogues. Roderick qualifies as a surgeon's mateand is pressed as a common soldier on bord the man-of-war Thunder. In a tale of romance as well as adventure, Roderick also finds time to fall in love... Smollett drew on his own experiences as a surgeon's mate in the navy for the memorable scenes on board ship, and the novel combines documentaryrealism with great humour and panache. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

A scholarly edition of a work by Tobias Smollett. The edition presents an authoritative text, together with an introduction, commentary notes, and scholarly apparatus.