The Tobias Smollett Library

In which our young hero, newly arrived in Paris, becomes embroiled in a raucous fray at a traiteur’s establishment, leading to an arrest by the city guard and subsequent release owing to youthful impetuosity and foreign leniency. He then navigates the intricate pleasures and perplexities of Parisian society, forming a noble acquaintance and encountering the disappointments of French gallantry and...

In which our young Englishman forms a discerning opinion of the arbitrary and tyrannical nature of the French government through a series of encounters that reveal the harshness faced by both nobles and commoners alike. Provoked by the insolence of a mousquetaire and the infidelity of a lady, he boldly confronts his adversary in a dramatic duel, asserting his honour despite the threats of law and...

In which Peregrine Pickle and his tutor journey through the French countryside, observing the stark contrasts between industry and poverty, before taking lodging at a village inn where unexpected company arrives. Amidst a supper shared with Mr. Hornbeck and his lady, Peregrine’s ardour kindles as he navigates both the lady’s favour and her husband’s suspicion with a mix of boldness and cunning.

In which Peregrine and his acquaintance undertake a long journey through various towns, arriving at Chantilly where a cunning plan leads to the surreptitious sedation of their companions, allowing Peregrine clandestine access to his lady love. The ensuing confusion and nocturnal disturbances provoke suspicion and abrupt departure of their company, leaving our adventurer to pursue his desires amid...

In which Peregrine Pickle embarks upon a tempestuous voyage to France, where his loyal servant Pipes emerges as an unexpected mariner of remarkable skill, restoring order in the midst of a fierce gale. Upon landing at Calais, Peregrine encounters the customary vexations of foreign porters and officious custom-house officers, leading to a spirited contest of English pride and French authority.

In which Peregrine Pickle encounters an intriguing English couple lodging nearby and endeavours, with some gallant intent, to ingratiate himself despite a discreet rebuff, before setting out on a journey marked by a broken chaise and a day’s enforced delay. He finds unexpected companionship among a group of disenfranchised English exiles in Boulogne, whose convivial spirits and sober reflections a...

In which our young hero, on the eve of his departure, encounters an Italian charlatan accused of sorcery by a fervent Welsh surgeon, leading to a curious debate on witchcraft and superstition. The company is amazed by the Italian’s ingenious feats, which ultimately dispel suspicion and culminate in a cordial evening of discourse, before Peregrine embarks on his voyage with a sense of camaraderie a...

In which the young Peregrine Pickle takes an affectionate and solemn leave of his family and friends, receiving heartfelt advice and treasured keepsakes for his impending journey abroad. Accompanied by a small retinue, he sets forth on the road to Dover, where warnings against foreign allurements and encouragements of steadfast conduct are imparted before he secures passage for the next stage of h...

In which the indomitable Commodore Trunnion, provoked to ire by a perceived offence, challenges his adversary to a duel, only to be ensnared in a cunningly devised ruse by the Lieutenant, Peregrine, and their companion. The ensuing encounter, marked by near mishaps and fiery indignation, concludes with an official verdict that, much to the Commodore’s chagrin, crowns the young conspirators victori...

In which the young gentlemen, amidst rural amusements and harmless gallantries, find themselves entangled in a most distressing and comical family fracas upon a secret meeting with Peregrine's sister, whose tender affection and filial sorrow provoke a violent maternal wrath. The scene concludes with a spirited defence, the intervention of loyal friends, and the reluctant displacement of the young...

In which young Peregrine Pickle, forewarned of a dark plot against him by his affectionate sister, devises a clever stratagem to thwart the ill designs of his enemies, only to find his intended victim is another entirely. Meanwhile, the unexpected arrival of a courageous soldier introduces new friendships and generous patronage, setting in motion preparations for Peregrine’s impending travels with...

In which Peregrine Pickle, provoked by the deceit of a curate, devises a cunning plan of revenge involving feigned conversations and planted suspicions to incite the jealous rage of a publican. This stratagem culminates in a violent encounter that leaves the curate bruised and the affair the subject of village gossip, all the while our hero and his companion observe with measured satisfaction.

In which a sudden conflagration at a country inn tests the courage and devotion of young Peregrine and his companions, leading to grateful exchanges and tender tokens of affection. Upon arriving at their journey's end, Peregrine meets Emily's soldier brother, whose rough manners spark rivalry, and after heartfelt farewells he departs with heavy heart toward his new post.

In which Peregrine, pursued by the fiery Mr. Gauntlet, engages in a duel that unexpectedly blossoms into a gentlemanly friendship, and upon arriving at the garrison, finds his aunt amiably transformed yet his mother as unyielding as ever. Enduring the insolence of his brother Gam, he artfully disciplines the latter's petulant preceptor with a horsewhip, much to the scandal and approval of those ar...

In which Peregrine Pickle wrestles with melancholy and pride upon facing a rift with his uncle and the uncertain affections of Emilia, only to find his spirits lifted by a consoling letter and the promise of new adventures abroad. Resolving differences with his governor and preparing to journey with Emilia and her companion, he steps forth with renewed hope and the gentle burden of tender farewell...

In which the young Peregrine Pickle receives a stern admonition from his aunt and his benevolent guardian, the commodore, concerning his imprudent attachment, provoking a spirited reply that alarms those around him and strains his relationships. Despite efforts at reconciliation and offers of guidance, Peregrine's pride and resolution set the stage for proposed travels intended to cure his youthfu...

In which the ever-ardent Peregrine, thwarted by a cloud of misunderstanding and whimsical circumstance, employs a series of stratagems to secure a reconciliation with his capricious mistress, aided by the prudent intercession of her cousin. Through a curious examination of a mysterious letter and the unravelling of a comical misadventure involving his valet, the lovers at last mend their rupture a...

In which the young and impetuous Peregrine Pickle boldly wins the favour of a lady at an assembly, provoking the jealousy of rivals and engaging in a spirited dispute that culminates in a vigorous cudgel match, much to the consternation of the company. Meanwhile, his governor arrives with grave intentions, attempting to persuade him by mathematical reasoning to abandon his amorous pursuits, only t...

In which Peregrine Pickle, much to the dismay of his formidable relative Trunnion, embarks upon his academic pursuits at Oxford, where his vivacity and wit swiftly render him a conspicuous figure amongst his peers. With a penchant for mischief and satire, he navigates university life with spirited escapades and sharp jests, even infiltrating a club of zealous politicians to expose their follies th...

In which Peregrine Pickle, provoked by the insolence of his pedantic tutor, takes elegant revenge through a biting ballad that exposes the man’s humble origins and ignites a rivalry; meanwhile, his studious intervals are punctuated by generous extravagance and a poignant, if chilly, encounter with the elusive Emilia during a visit to Windsor. The episode unfolds with the tender agitation of young...

In which a hapless messenger, entrusted with a delicate letter, encounters a rough mishap and resorts to the aid of a learned parish clerk to mend the damage, setting in motion a series of punctilious exchanges that reveal the tender yet tumultuous nature of youthful affection. Meanwhile, the interference of well-meaning guardians and the trials of pride and misunderstanding conspire to interrupt...

In which Peregrine returns to the garrison, now a striking and engaging young man, whose fortunes rise with the affectionate approbation of his uncle and aunt but suffer under the harsh prejudice of his own mother. Despite a momentary promise of paternal protection, his father soon recants under the stern influence of Mrs. Pickle, thus perpetuating the youth's uncertain standing within his family.

In which our young hero engages in a turbulent skirmish with a gardener over pilfered fruit, narrowly escaping severe punishment by the strength of friendship and timely reprieve, before rising amidst the town’s youthful circles of gallantry and fashion. Amidst the caprice of admirers and rivals, he becomes captivated by the enchanting Miss Emilia Gauntlet, whose wit and charm divert his passions...

In which the young and impetuous Peregrine Pickle, driven by the fervour of his affections, absconds from his studies to seek the company of the charming Emilia, whose genteel but modest circumstances send his pride into uneasy conflict. The adventure unfolds with a mixture of tender encounters and anxious pursuits, culminating in a reluctant promise to return and a heartfelt epistle that captures...

In which Peregrine, arriving at Winchester School, quickly distinguishes himself by his wit and ingenuity, notably outwitting his tutor and becoming the leader among his peers through a series of daring exploits. Yet despite earnest admonitions and a brief diversion into mathematics, his spirited defiance and mischievous conduct soon draw the stern attention of the school’s authorities, setting th...