Humphry Clinker (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

Smollett’s Last Picaresque Novel

Smollett’s last rollicking picaresque novel, published in 1771, is considered one of his funniest. Inspired by the author’s return to his native Scotland, it is told in the form of letters penned by six characters—most of whom have decidedly different takes on a group tour of England’s seaside spas, towns, and resorts.