
A lively, razor‑sharp satire, this novel follows the misadventures of a good‑natured but often clueless young man as he stumbles from one absurd episode to the next. From the bustling streets of London to far‑off ports, his encounters with scheming merchants, pompous aristocrats and eccentric scholars expose the pretensions and follies of eighteenth‑century society. Through witty narration and vivid scenes, the story turns everyday vices into comic set‑pieces that both entertain and provoke thought.
The protagonist’s restless curiosity leads him into a series of improbable jobs, duels, and mistaken identities, each episode revealing a new facet of the world’s hypocrisy. His good intentions are constantly tested by luck, deceit, and his own impulsive nature, creating a charming blend of humor and pathos. Listeners will find a rich tapestry of characters and a keenly observant eye for the absurdities that still echo in modern life.
Language
en
Duration
~18 hours (1072K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2003-05-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1721–1771
A sharp, energetic voice of 18th-century fiction, he brought comic chaos and restless travel to novels that still feel brisk and alive. Trained as a surgeon and drawn to satire, he wrote with the speed, bite, and eye for character that made him one of the great picaresque storytellers in English.
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