Roderick Random is a novel set in the 1730s and 1740s, telling the life story of Roderick "Rory" Random, who was born to a Scottish gentleman and a lower-class woman who dies soon after giving birth. Cast out by his paternal family, Rory relies on his wits and the occasional support of his maternal uncle, Tom Bowling. Random embarks on a series of adventures, visiting France, the West Indies, West Africa and South America. He ends up serving twice on British ships, once on a privateer and once on a warship after being press-ganged. Throughout the novel Rory encounters malice and discrimination but his honest and trustworthy character wins him a few staunch friends. Tobias George Smollett (1721 – 1771) was a Scottish poet and author, known for his picaresque novels. Roderick Random is partially based on Smollett's experience as a naval-surgeon’s mate in the Royal Navy, especially during the Battle of Cartagena de Indias in 1741. Published Dent/Dutton in 1937. Everyman's Library No. 790. Dust jacket has tears. Book is in good condition with binding intact.