TOBIAS SMOLLETT (1721–1771) was a novelist, playwright, journalist,
historian, travel writer, critic, translator, editor, and
compiler—an eighteenth-century man of letters in the fullest sense
of the phrase. ROBERT ADAMS DAY was a Joyce scholar and expert on
eighteenth-century English literature.
He was a former professor in the doctoral program in comparative
literature at the Graduate School of the City University of New
York, where he had taught since 1970. He was previously associated
with the English departments at Dartmouth College and Queens
College.
At last a definitive, scholarly edition, the first to appear since
1926, of Smollett's most puzzling and controversial work. It is a
satire in the tradition of Rabelais and Swift, particularly in
respect to its scatological images. This carefully prepared
edition, with all of the appropriate textual apparatus, includes
extensive historical and literary references and an accurate key,
in alphabetical order, to personages and places that are presented
in the text as Japanese names and based on a collation of existing
keys. In the introduction, Day presents general information about
the political structure of England during Smollett's time; a most
useful review of the major events of the Seven Years' War; a
summary of some of Smollett's political opinions; helpful
information concerning the work's sources, literary influences,
publication, and reception; and incontrovertible proof for
Smollett's authorship. A chronology of dates and events relevant to
Atom in relation to Smollett's life; superb illustrations (much
imagery is in reference to political cartoons of the day);
excellent index. Highly recommended.
*Choice*
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