The Adventures of Roderick Random by Tobias Smollett

Description

The Adventures of Roderick Random is a book by Tobias Smollett, first published in 1748. It is a classic eighteenth-century picaresque novel that follows the turbulent early life of Roderick Random, a sharp-witted but often reckless young man born into poverty and uncertainty in Scotland. From the outset, Roderick’s life is marked by misfortune, injustice, and a constant struggle to assert his place in a society quick to exploit the weak and reward the ruthless. As Roderick ventures out into the wider world, the novel becomes a vivid journey through schools, medical training, naval service, and the rough underbelly of British and continental life. Along the way he encounters a colourful cast of characters, including his loyal and long-suffering companion Strap, the bluff and good-hearted seaman Tom Bowling, and the refined Narcissa, whose presence introduces a more emotional and moral dimension to Roderick’s adventures. The story blends satire, social criticism, and dark humour, exposing the cruelty of institutions, the corruption of authority, and the precarious nature of class and reputation in Georgian England. The novel is especially notable for its frank portrayal of naval life, medical practice, and the brutal realities faced by those without wealth or influence. As Smollett’s first novel, The Adventures of Roderick Random helped establish him as a major voice in English literature and a master of the picaresque tradition.

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Formats: PDF, epub, AZW3
Page Count (PDF): 291
Illustrations: No
Note: Many of the books available here were first published generations ago. Care has been taken to produce clear, readable files, but occasional imperfections may remain. Minor irregularities are part of the character of older texts.