Smelfungus

Smelfungus

Smelfungus is a name given by Laurence Sterne to Tobias Smollett as author of a volume of "Travels through France and Italy," for the snarling abuse he heaps on the institutions and customs of the countries he visited.

In the 19th century it was adopted by Thomas Carlyle as a pen-name when he had any seriously severe criticisms to offer on things, particularly those that have gone or are going to the bad. Patrick Proctor Alexander also used the name in his book "Mill and Carlyle", which contrasted Carlyle's views with those of John Stuart Mill. Proctor's "Occasional Discourse on Sauertieg by Smelfungus" attacks Carlyle's more brutal ideas.

It is also a pet name used by the Furies in Neil Gaiman’s The Sandman (DC Comics Modern Age).


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  • SMELFUNGUS —    a name given by Sterne to Smollett as author of volume of Travels through France and Italy, for the snarling abuse he heaps on the institutions and customs of the countries he visited; a name Carlyle assumes when he has any seriously severe… …   The Nuttall Encyclopaedia

  • A Sentimental Journey Through France and Italy — Infobox Book name = A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy title orig = translator = image caption = The Monk of Calais (1780) by Angelica Kauffman, depicting Rev. Yorick exchanging snuffboxes with Father Lorenzo ..having a horn snuff box …   Wikipedia

  • Travels through France and Italy — is travel literature by Tobias Smollett published in 1766.After suffering the loss of his only child, 15 year old Elizabeth, in April of 1763, Smollett left England in June of that year. Together with his wife, he traveled across France to Nice.… …   Wikipedia

  • Augustan prose — is somewhat ill defined, as the definition of Augustan relies primarily upon changes in taste in poetry. However, the general time represented by Augustan literature saw a rise in prose writing as high literature. The essay, satire, and dialogue… …   Wikipedia

  • John Habberton — (1842 1921) was an American author. He spent nearly twenty years as the literary and drama critic for the New York Herald , but he is best known for his stories about early California life. He is the author of Helen s Babies, published in the… …   Wikipedia

  • Voyage sentimental à travers la France et l'Italie — Voyage sentimental à travers la France et l Italie …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Smelfung — (Smelfungus), von Sterne (»Sentimental Journey«) auf Smollet gemünzte Bezeichnung für einen Menschen, dem nichts recht ist …   Meyers Großes Konversations-Lexikon

  • Smollett, Tobias — ▪ Scottish novelist in full  Tobias George Smollett  baptized March 19, 1721, Cardross, Dumbartonshire, Scot. died Sept. 17, 1771, near Livorno, Tuscany [Italy]  Scottish satirical novelist, best known for his picaresque novels (picaresque novel) …   Universalium

  • CHATHAM, WILLIAM PITT, EARL OF —    a great British statesman and orator, born in Cornwall; determined opponent of Sir Robert Walpole; succeeded in driving him from power, and at length installing himself in his place; had an eye to the greatness and glory of England, summoned… …   The Nuttall Encyclopaedia

  • smellfungus — ˈsmelˌfəŋgəs noun Etymology: after Smelfungus, a hypercritical traveler in A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy (1768) by Laurence Sterne died 1768 British novelist, who intended this character to satirize Tobias Smollett died 1771… …   Useful english dictionary

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