The Tobias Smollett Library

In which our travellers make a tour through the Dutch cities, witnessing their quaint theatres, amusing local antics, and the peculiarities of public entertainments, including a most singular Dutch tragedy and a lively dispute in a music-house. Amid these diversions, Peregrine’s spirited nature leads him into an affront with a naval captain and a subsequent narrow escape, concluding with their saf...

In which the young and artful Peregrine Pickle instigates a quarrel between the painter Mr. Pallet and the physician, provoking them into a duel that exposes the painter’s faint-heartedness despite his bravado. With shrewd wit and a touch of classical gallantry, Pickle manoeuvres the encounter to a humbling conclusion, reflecting upon the follies and affectations of honour among gentlemen.

In which the company journeys to Rotterdam, where a festive excursion on the Maese takes a perilous turn when their yacht is overturned by a sudden squall, risking the life of their companion, the painter. They then endure a curious, yet tiresome evening with their Dutch hosts and a visit to a modest cabinet of curiosities, before Peregrine seeks respite by departing for the Hague, where he ventur...

In which our travellers journey to Antwerp, where the painter Pallet, fervently admiring Rubens, indulges in spirited enthusiasm and rivalry with the company, leading to spirited debates and an impassioned, if somewhat unpolished, display of artistic zeal. Amidst visits to various artistic sites and a contentious encounter within the church, Pallet's admiration for Flemish art provokes both joyful...

In which Peregrine Pickle is honourably exonerated from suspicion through the timely presentation of his ambassadorial letters, much to the astonishment of his companions, who remain perplexed by the mystery surrounding his arrest. Meanwhile, a spirited quarrel between the poet and the painter among their fellow travellers is settled through Jolter’s mediation, culminating in a whimsical promise t...

In which the folly of secret passions brings young Peregrine into peril as schemes and counterplots unfold between him and the wronged husband, culminating in a spiteful encounter by the canal. With honour challenged and tempers inflamed, the affair draws the attention of the law and high authority, who are obliged to weigh the tangled grievances of the parties involved.

In which Peregrine, amidst a restless search for solace, encounters Mrs. Hornbeck and negotiates a delicate truce with her suspicious duenna, employing both wit and wine to ease the latter's vigilance. His valet’s blunder causes a brief tumult, yet with tact and promises of marriage, the party reconciles, securing a night free from further constraint.

In which the perplexed Pallet endeavours to unravel the mystery of his rough treatment and falls into a state of madness that vexes all who attempt to aid him, leading to a series of unfortunate and comical misunderstandings. The curious desperation of our hero to be near his beloved is thwarted by Pallet’s nocturnal disturbances and the ensuing medical and ecclesiastical interventions, all of whi...

In which Peregrine, overwhelmed by the pangs of a thwarted affection, seeks permission for continued visits at Brussels but is gently refused by the fair Fleming, who, bound by honour and religious duty, resolves to sever their acquaintance. Struggling between despair and hope, Peregrine experiences a tempest of emotion that threatens madness, yet, consoled by promises and reflections on sincerity...

In which our hero departs from Ghent with a peculiar company, engaging in a spirited and sometimes fractious political dispute concerning recent battles and the illustrious Duke of Marlborough, much to the chagrin of his fair companion. An ornery mishap with their carriage at Alost provides a contrived excuse for prolonging their stay, during which the hero endeavours by artful means to secure pri...

In which a spirited plot of revenge unfolds through the mischievous intrusion of a bell-adorned ass, bringing to light the follies and passions of those entwined in a nocturnal escapade at an inn. The ensuing uproar and confusion expose secrets and rouse a company to laughter and scandal, revealing the delicate balance between amorous intrigue and social farce.

In which a contrived alarm enables our hero to gain secret entrance to the chamber of his beloved, only to be thwarted by an unexpected disturbance that brings about a most comical and painful misunderstanding. The episode concludes with the friar’s intervention and a discomfited painter’s lament, as night’s prospects fade into a dawn of bitter disappointment for young Pickle.

In which our young adventurer makes hopeful progress in winning the affection of a fair lady, despite interruptions by a contentious debate laden with religious and cultural rancour that disturbs their company. His ardour is met with a stern rebuke and a feigned indignation from her confessor, yet spurred by hope and passion, he resolves to persevere in his suit despite a mortifying setback.

In which Peregrine Pickle and a learned Knight of Malta engage in a spirited debate over the merits and peculiarities of English and French theatrical performances, illustrating their points with keen observations and imitations of notable actors. The discourse is enriched by a learned physician’s reflection on the grandeur and mechanisms of the ancient Roman stage, drawing contrasts with modern e...

In which a faithful servant’s indiscretion leads to his dismissal, prompting a party journey through Flanders where our young gentleman’s eye is caught by a captivating lady accompanied by her spiritual guide. Their conversations and interactions unfold with a lively mixture of intrigue, flattery, and subtle advances, all set against the backdrop of a travelling diligence’s varied company.

In which the enmity betwixt a doctor and a painter provides amiable amusement to all, as they journey towards Arras and engage in witty repartee that verges on open hostility. Upon arrival, our young adventurer's sagacity foils a deceitful card game with insolent French officers, who subsequently leave a poor innkeeper to brave their ill-mannered wrath.

In which Peregrine and his companions encounter the rigid authority and local custom of French officers at an inn, leading to a spirited debate on justice and liberty that reveals differing national temperaments. Their visit to Lisle includes a courteous introduction to a venerable French chevalier, a tour of military fortifications, and a heated scholarly quarrel among soldiers that threatens to...

In which the assembly of travellers, newly freed from confinement, embarks upon their journey from Paris with spirits both high and contentious, as the young Mr. Pickle contrives diversions at the expense of his companions' tempers and appetites. The evening’s repast at Senlis devolves into a scene of gastronomic woe, precipitated by mischievous jests concerning the nature of the fare, which promp...

In which Peregrine, taking a whimsical delight in the predicament of an unfortunate painter imprisoned in the Bastille, concocts a jest about a strange sentence that might restore his freedom, leading to a farcical and frantic escape. Meanwhile, tensions arise among their small circle as differing passions and principles cast shadows over friendship and loyalty, leaving some estranged and offended...

In which a painter is persuaded to don women’s apparel to a masquerade by his mischievous companion, resulting in a series of comic misunderstandings and awkward encounters. Their revelry is abruptly ended by an arrest, leading to their conveyance to a sombre prison in Paris, where faithful attendants resolve to watch over them.

In which the trusty Jolter learns of his pupil Peregrine's imprisonment in a grim fortress and strives, with considerable unease and the help of a determined physician and an influential ambassador, to secure his release. Despite Peregrine’s steadfast defiance and satirical disdain for authority within his bare chamber, diplomatic efforts and the looming threat of national reprisal finally procure...

In which a learned physician endeavours to revive the ancient Roman banquet with peculiar dishes and curious ceremonies, inviting an assembly of affected foreign nobility whose sensibilities are repeatedly affronted by the strange flavours and awkward customs of the feast. Amidst discomfiture and comic mishaps, the company’s initial distaste is gradually assuaged by earnest apologies and the conso...

In which Peregrine Pickle’s acquaintance introduces his friends to the contrasting intellects of a staunch monarchist governor and a fervent democratic physician, sparking a vehement debate over government and society amidst their convivial Parisian tour. The discourse, rife with sharp wit and philosophical fervour, culminates in the doctor’s impassioned orations and a display of literary vanity t...

In which the volatile passions of youth embroil our hero in a complicated affair involving a lady restrained by her jealous husband, leading to a daring elopement hastily arranged beyond the city's reach. The intervention of the British ambassador ultimately restores the lady to her rightful spouse, though her confinement and the promise of a convent await as awkward remedies for the unruly entang...

In which Peregrine Pickle, prompted by letters from his family and a desire to outshine his English peers, resolves to return to his native country after a year and a half in France, and awaits a companion for his journey through Flanders and Holland. During a second visit to the Palais Royal, he encounters two English gentlemen—a presumptuous physician and a boastful painter—whose extravagant cla...