Tobias Smollett (1721-1771) was a Scottish author, best known for his picaresque novels that depict the adventures and misadventures of roguish characters. Smollett was born into a family of modest means in Dalquhurn, Scotland, and was educated at the University of Glasgow, where he studied medicine. Smollett's first novel, "The Adventures of Roderick Random," was published in 1748 and was an immediate success. The novel tells the story of a young man, Roderick Random, who embarks on a series of adventures that take him from Scotland to London and beyond. Along the way, Roderick encounters a colorful cast of characters, including sailors, highwaymen, and prostitutes, and gets into all sorts of trouble. Smollett's writing style is marked by a lively and engaging narrative voice, as well as a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail. His novels are known for their vivid depictions of life in 18th-century England, as well as their satirical take on contemporary society. In addition to "Roderick Random," Smollett's other notable works include "The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle" (1751), "The Expedition of Humphry Clinker" (1771), and "The History and Adventures of an Atom" (1769).
