The Attaché; or, Sam Slick in England — Complete

"The Attaché; or, Sam Slick in England — Complete" by Thomas Chandler Haliburton is a satirical novel written during the mid-19th century. The story features Samuel Slick, a quintessential American character, who serves as the attaché to the American Legation at the Court of St. James's. The novel humorously explores Slick's observations and interactions as he navigates British society and culture, often contrasting it with his American upbringing. The opening of the narrative introduces the main characters embarking on a voyage from New York to England aboard the Packet ship "Tyler." The party consists of Reverend Mr. Hopewell, Samuel Slick himself, and Jube Japan, Slick's black servant. The tone is light-hearted and conversational, with Slick sharing anecdotes from his previous experiences. Early on, he discusses his peculiar talents and idiosyncratic thoughts, particularly regarding life in England versus his homeland. As the story unfolds, a humorous portrayal of the eccentricities of both Slick and the English climate is established, hinting at a comedic exploration of national identities and the cultural absurdities encountered during their journey. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas Chandler Haliburton was a Nova Scotian politician, judge, and author. He made an important political contribution to the state of Nova Scotia before its entry into Confederation of Canada. He was the first international best-selling author of fiction from what is now Canada. In 1856, he immigrated to England, where he served as a Conservative Member of Parliament. He was the father of the British civil servant Lord Haliburton and of the anthropologist Robert Grant Haliburton.