The History and Adventures of an Atom, by Tobias Smollett (1769). This is a savage satire of English politics during the Seven Years' War. It appears under the guise of a tale from ancient Japan. Pitt the Younger appears as Taycho, and other politicians, monarchs and nations under a light disguise of made-up names. It includes some comments on Britain's growing problems with its American colonies. The 'atom' is the supposed narrator, a witness to the events and somehow able to communicate them to modern listeners. Smollett is referring back to the ancient Greek idea of atoms, the ideas of Democritus - though of course he is also being satirical. The book is available in a modern edition, with historical annotations and a key to personages and places.
