The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

Tobias Smollett

• Publisher: CLXBX
• Year: 2026
• Topic: Literature
• eBook ISBN:
  9782653186874
• Subtopic: Literature General
• Index: Literature

The Expedition of Humphry Clinker by Tobias Smollett is a lively and humorous epistolary novel that offers a vivid portrait of 18th-century Britain through travel, observation, and sharp social commentary. First published in 1771, it is widely regarded as Smollett's most accomplished work, blending comedy, satire, and keen insight into human behavior. The narrative follows the Bramble family as they embark on a journey across Britain, encountering a wide range of social classes, customs, and regional peculiarities along the way. The story is told through a series of letters written by different members of the family and their companions, each offering contrasting perspectives on the same events and places. This multi-voiced structure adds depth, humor, and complexity to the unfolding travel narrative. At the heart of the journey is Humphry Clinker, a modest and good-natured servant whose presence gradually influences the lives of those around him. As the travelers move from city to countryside, from spa towns to coastal regions, their experiences reveal the strengths and absurdities of British society. Through their observations, Smollett explores themes of health, class, politics, manners, and national identity. The novel is particularly noted for its satirical edge, as it critiques social pretensions, urban corruption, and the contrast between appearance and reality. At the same time, it celebrates kindness, integrity, and the value of common sense, often embodied in the character of Humphry Clinker himself. Tobias Smollett's energetic prose and episodic structure create a dynamic reading experience filled with wit, irony, and vivid description. The use of letters allows for shifting viewpoints and unreliable interpretations, adding both humor and realism to the narrative. The Expedition of Humphry Clinker is not only an entertaining journey through Georgian Britain but also an important contribution to the development of the English novel. Its combination of travel writing and social satire makes it a rich and enduring work of literature. Ideal for readers of classic fiction, satire, and historical travel narratives, Smollett's novel remains a delightful and insightful exploration of society, character, and the art of observation.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Chapter 1
• Chapter 2
• Chapter 3
• Chapter 4
• Chapter 5
• Chapter 6
• Chapter 7
• Chapter 8
• Chapter 9
• Chapter 10
• Chapter 11
• Chapter 12
• Chapter 13
• Chapter 14
• Chapter 15
• Chapter 16
• Chapter 17
• Chapter 18
• Chapter 19
• Chapter 20
• Chapter 21
• Chapter 22
• Chapter 23
• Chapter 24
• Chapter 25
• Chapter 26
• Chapter 27
• Chapter 28
• Chapter 29
• Chapter 30
• Chapter 31
• Chapter 32
• Chapter 33
• Chapter 34
• Chapter 35
• Chapter 36
• Chapter 37
• Chapter 38
• Chapter 39
• Chapter 40
• Chapter 41
• Chapter 42
• Chapter 43
• Chapter 44
• Chapter 45
• Chapter 46
• Chapter 47
• Chapter 48
• Chapter 49
• Chapter 50
• Chapter 51
• Chapter 52
• Chapter 53
• Chapter 54
• Chapter 55
• Chapter 56
• Chapter 57
• Chapter 58
• Chapter 59
• Chapter 60
• Chapter 61
• Chapter 62
• Chapter 63
• Chapter 64
• Chapter 65
• Chapter 66
• Chapter 67
• Chapter 68
• Chapter 69
• Chapter 70
• Chapter 71
• Chapter 72
• Chapter 73
• Chapter 74
• Chapter 75
• Chapter 76
• Chapter 77
• Chapter 78
• Chapter 79
• Chapter 80
• Chapter 81
• Chapter 82
• Chapter 83
• Chapter 84