Tobias Smollett was an 18th century Scottish author. He was educated at the University of Glasgow with the intent of following a career in medicine. He traveled to London to become a playwright and when that failed he became a naval surgeon sailing on the Chichester to Jamaica where he lived for several years. The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle was published in 1751. The novel satirized human cruelty, and voracity. This picaresque novel portrays the schooling, courtships, travels, and amorous exploits of a young rascal whose pranks often border on villainy. Peregrine Pickle is an egotistical young man discarded by his family and hated by his brother. It is a story of good and bad luck. Each of Peregrine’s adventures is a portrayal of European society.
