The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle, by Tobias Smollett (1721--1771), was first published in 1751. It is the story of the adventures of an egotistical scoundrel Peregrine Pickle, and it provides a comic and caustic portrayal of 18th century European society. Peregrine's journey through Europe, his debauchery , and his final repentance all provide scope for Smollett's satire on human cruelty, stupidity, and greed.

Smollett also caricatured many of his enemies in the book, most notably Henry Fielding and the actor David Garrick.