Tobias Smollett, Novelist, Born

Tobias George Smollett (baptised 19 March 1721 – 17 September 1771) was a Scottish novelist, surgeon, critic and playwright.[1] He was best known for picaresque novels such as The Adventures of Roderick Random (1748), The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle (1751) and The Expedition of Humphry Clinker (1771), which influenced later novelists, including Charles Dickens. His novels were liberally altered by contemporary printers; an authoritative edition of each was edited by Dr O. M. Brack Jr and others.

Tobias Smollett, a significant figure in 18th-century English literature, was born on March 19, 1721, in Dalquhurn, now part of Renton, Scotland. He was a novelist known for his picaresque novels, which vividly depicted the adventures of roguish but appealing heroes. Smollett was also a poet, playwright, journalist, historian, and translator, making substantial contributions to English literature and the development of the novel as a literary form.

Smollett’s most famous works include “The Adventures of Roderick Random” (1748), “The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle” (1751), and “The Expedition of Humphry Clinker” (1771). “Roderick Random” was his first novel, which drew on his experiences as a naval surgeon’s mate, and is considered one of the first English picaresque novels, marked by its episodic structure and satirical tone.

Smollett’s novels are known for their vivid characterizations, satirical wit, and panoramic portrayal of 18th-century life. They provide critical insights into the social and political issues of his time, including commentary on the conditions of the poor and the corruption within British society and its institutions.

In addition to his novels, Smollett was a successful translator, most notably of Miguel de Cervantes’ “Don Quixote,” which is still highly regarded. He also engaged in journalistic and historical writing, contributing to periodicals and undertaking a comprehensive “History of England.”

Despite his success as a writer, Smollett’s life was marked by personal hardships, including financial difficulties and the loss of his only child. He spent the latter part of his life in Italy, seeking relief from health problems, and died in Livorno (Leghorn) on September 17, 1771.

Tobias Smollett’s legacy endures through his contributions to the English novel and his influence on later writers. His work provides a window into the complexities of 18th-century society, combining humor, satire, and compassion in his portrayal of human life.