1771, Signet Classic edition 1960
Tobias Smollett
The Expedition of Humphry Clinker
Original and purchase price unknown
Cover just fell off but otherwise not bad condition for its age
B-
Mr. Clinker is not one of the five letter writers in this novel, and indeed doesn't show up till about a quarter of the way in. He's revealed to be the bastard son of one of the main characters, but it's much less of a revelation than Tom Jones's parentage. Overall, plot and even characterisation are not the strengths of this story. I most enjoy the whole travelogue aspect: descriptions of Bath, London, Edinburgh, etc. This is roughly halfway between the times of Henry Fielding and Jane Austen, so it's an interesting stop on the journey. How can I not be amused by the description of a strange sport the Scots enjoy--golf?! Or how about the part where the traveling party is hosted by that charming Scotsman, Mr. Smollett? This is definitely a minor contribution to literature, but it's a pleasant one.
No comments:
Post a Comment