The Adventures of Ferdinand Count Fathom by Tobias Smollett is a mid-18th-century novel that follows the life and adventures of the cunning and somewhat unscrupulous Ferdinand Count Fathom. Set against a backdrop of military exploits and personal quests for wealth and status, the story unfolds through Fathom's complex relationships, particularly with his lively mother, a camp follower, and his noble patron, Count de Melvil. In the preface, Smollett addresses the challenges of historical storytelling and the complexity of human motives, drawing readers into the narrative. The story begins by highlighting Fathom's uncertain parentage and his mother’s significant influence on his early experiences. As the plot progresses, Ferdinand’s talents and ambitions become evident through his education and military life, captivating those around him. The early chapters establish Fathom’s schemes and the dynamics of his relationships, setting the stage for a captivating tale of adventure and moral ambiguity.

INTRODUCTION
PREFATORY ADDRESS

CHAPTER
I. Some sage Observations that naturally introduce our important History
II. A superficial View of our Hero's Infancy
III. He is initiated in a Military Life, and has the good Fortune to acquire a generous Patron
IV. His Mother's Prowess and Death; together with some Instances of his own Sagacity
V. A brief Detail of his Education
VI. He meditates Schemes of Importance
VII. Engages in Partnership with a female Associate, in order to put his Talents in Action
VIII. Their first Attempt; with a Digression which some Readers may think impertinent
IX. The Confederates change their Battery, and achieve a remarkable Adventure
X. They proceed to levy Contributions with great Success, until our Hero sets out with the young Count for Vienna, where he enters into League with another Adventurer
XI. Fathom makes various Efforts in the World of Gallantry
XII. He effects a Lodgment in the House of a rich Jeweller
XIII. He is exposed to a most perilous Incident in the Course of his Intrigue with the Daughter
XIV. He is reduced to a dreadful Dilemma, in consequence of an Assignation with the Wife
XV. But at length succeeds in his Attempt upon both
XVI. His Success begets a blind Security, by which he is once again well-nigh entrapped in his Dulcinea's Apartment
XVII. The Step-dame's Suspicions being awakened, she lays a Snare for our Adventurer, from which he is delivered by the Interposition of his Good Genius
XVIII. Our Hero departs from Vienna, and quits the Domain of Venus for the rough Field of Mars
XIX. He puts himself under the Guidance of his Associate, and stumbles upon the French Camp, where he finishes his Military Career
XX. He prepares a Stratagem, but finds himself countermined-- Proceeds on his Journey, and is overtaken by a terrible Tempest
XXI. He falls upon Scylla, seeking to avoid Charybdis.
XXII. He arrives at Paris, and is pleased with his Reception
XXIII. Acquits himself with Address in a Nocturnal Riot
XXIV. He overlooks the Advances of his Friends, and smarts severely for his Neglect
XXV. He bears his Fate like a Philosopher; and contracts acquaintance with a very remarkable Personage
XXVI. The History of the Noble Castilian
XXVII. A flagrant Instance of Fathom's Virtue, in the Manner of his Retreat to England
XXVIII. Some Account of his Fellow-Travellers
XXIX. Another providential Deliverance from the Effects of the Smuggler's ingenious Conjecture
XXX. The singular Manner of Fathom's Attack and Triumph over the Virtue of the fair Elenor
XXXI. He by accident encounters his old Friend, with whom he holds a Conference, and renews a Treaty
XXXII. He appears in the great World with universal Applause and Admiration
XXXIII. He attracts the Envy and Ill Offices of the minor Knights of his own Order, over whom he obtains a complete Victory
XXXIV. He performs another Exploit, that conveys a true Idea of his Gratitude and Honour
XXXV. He repairs to Bristol Spring, where he reigns paramount during the whole Season
XXXVI. He is smitten with the Charms of a Female Adventurer, whose Allurements subject him to a new Vicissitude of Fortune
XXXVII. Fresh Cause for exerting his Equanimity and Fortitude
XXXVIII. The Biter is Bit