Biography of Tobias Smollett

The writer Tobias George Smollett (1721-1781) is believed to have studied at the University, without matriculating, during the 1730s.

Born near Renton in Dunbartonshire, Smollett is said to have studied Anatomy and Medicine at the University before becoming an apprentice to the surgeons John Gordon and William Stirling in Glasgow. He served as a surgeon's second mate in the Royal Navy during the early 1740s and then settled in London, where he published his first novel, The Adventures of Roderick Random in 1748. He became one of the most distinguished literary figures in London. His most celebrated novel, The Expedition of Humphry Clinker, was published shortly before his death.

Summary

Tobias Smollett
Author and Surgeon
Born March 1721, Dalquhurn, Scotland.
Died 17 September 1771.
University Link: Alumnus
Occupation categories: authors; surgeons
NNAF Reference: GB/NNAF/P132873
View Major Archive Collection Record
Search for this person in the DNB
Record last updated: 11th Aug 2008

Country Associations

Scotland
Place of Birth

University Connections

University Roles

• Alumnus

Buildings

• Macfarlane Observatory 1760