Adventures of Roderick Random

Published in 1748, 'Adventures of Roderick Random' by Tobias Smollett is a picaresque novel that follows the life of Roderick Random, an orphan navigating the challenges of 18th-century England. The narrative details his encounters with a diverse cast of characters, including highway robbers, corrupt officials, and a reformed prostitute, as he strives for social mobility and personal integrity. Notable for its vivid portrayal of contemporary society and its exploration of themes like adversity and moral fortitude, the novel is a significant work in the development of the English novel.