The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

Tobias Smollett (1721-1771) was a prolific novelist of the eighteenth century, whose literary works spanned the genres of fiction, non-fiction, journalism and correspondence. Born in Scotland, Smollett attended Glasgow University before travelling to London to seek his fortune. His travels throughout Scotland, France and Italy provided inspiration for many of his stories, including his wildly funny and successful novel "The Expedition of Humphry Clinker", which he published the year of his death. "Humphry Clinker" is an epistolary novel, considered to be his masterpiece, which follows Matthew Bramble and a group of six humorous characters on a trip through the British Isles. This lively travel story examines social divisions, manners and the psychological evolution of characters from their own emotional responses to new situations. The novel was extremely popular among its eighteenth century audience, and is revered today as a brilliant example of English humor.