Tobias Smollett

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

• Broschiertes Buch

Produktbeschreibung

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker was the last of the picaresque novels of Tobias Smollett, published in London on 17 June 1771 (three months before Smollett's death), and is considered by many to be his best and funniest work. It is an epistolary novel, presented in the form of letters written by six characters: Matthew Bramble, a Welsh Squire; his sister Tabitha; their niece Lydia and nephew Jeremy Melford; Tabitha's maid Winifred Jenkins; and Lydia's suitor Wilson. Much of the comedy arises from differences in the descriptions of the same events and places seen by the participants. Attributions of motives and descriptions of behaviour show wild variation and reveal much about the character of the teller. The setting, amidst the high-society spa towns, inns, and seaside resorts of the 18th century, provides his characters with many opportunities for satirical observations on English and Scottish life, manners, and politics. Smollett relies heavily on a scatological humour and references to the body. The net effect re-creates the messiness of eighteenth-century British novels that relied on the epistolary form. The author's travels in Scotland, France, and Italy influenced his novel. The novel was adapted into a radio script in four hour-long episodes by BBC Radio 4 and broadcast as the Classic Serial in 1992, repeated in 1994. Timothy West played Squire Bramble. Dramatisation was by Scott Cherry. There was a later production in three hour-long episodes by BBC Radio 4 and broadcast as the Classic Serial in 2008. It was last repeated on BBC Radio 4 Extra from 9 July 2018. Nigel Anthony played Squire Bramble. Dramatisation was by Yvonne Antrobus. (wikipedia.org)

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Bibliotech Press
• Seitenzahl: 302
• Erscheinungstermin: 9. Januar 2023
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 229mm x 152mm x 18mm
• Gewicht: 493g
• ISBN-13: 9798888303597
• Artikelnr.: 66949855

Autorenporträt

Tobias George Smollett was a Scottish writer and surgeon, born on March 19, 1721, in Dalquhurn, Scotland. He gained recognition for his picaresque novels, which followed the adventures of colorful, often roguish protagonists. His most notable works include The Adventures of Roderick Random, The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle, and The Expedition of Humphry Clinker. These novels were highly influential, particularly in shaping the development of the British novel, and had a lasting impact on later writers, including Charles Dickens. Smollett s works were characterized by vivid storytelling, humor, and sharp social commentary, often exploring the challenges faced by the lower classes and the absurdities of human nature. In addition to his literary career, Smollett trained as a surgeon, which influenced some of his writing, especially his depiction of medical matters. He spent the latter part of his life in Italy, where he died on September 17, 1771, at the age of 50. Smollett s legacy as one of the most important early English novelists continues to be celebrated. He was survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Smollett, and had a sister, Jean Smollett.