The Adventures of Roderick Random

The Adventures of Roderick Random is a novel by Scottish author Tobias Smollett, first published in 1748. A picaresque novel, the book is set in the 1730s and 1740s and tells the story of Roderick 'Rory' Random, who is shunned by his father's family, due to the lower-class status of his mother. After being expelled from his studies he embarks on a series of adventures, visiting London, Bath, France, South America, the West Indies, and West Africa, with his companion, the simple-hearted Hugh Strap. With little money of his own he spends a great deal of time trying to court wealthy woman as well as twice ending up serving on British ships. The novel was partially based on Smollett's experiences as a naval-surgeon's mate in the Royal Navy. With themes such as hypocrisy, greed, deceit, and snobbery, it was this novel that made the author famous.