Henry Fielding Books
Henry Fielding was an influential British author whose early playwriting career was curtailed by political censorship. After his satirical plays were banned, Fielding turned to novel writing, securing his lasting place in literature. His masterworks are celebrated for their wit, incisive social commentary, and complex characters. Fielding explored human nature and societal ills with a blend of humor and intelligence, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in English prose.
Tom Jones
- 768 pages
- 27 hours of reading
The protagonist, Tom Jones, is introduced to the reader as a ward of a liberal Somerset squire, appearing a generous but slightly wild and reckless boy. Misfortune, followed by many spirited adventures as he travels to London to seek his fortune, teach Tom wisdom to go with his good-heartedness.
The History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great
- 196 pages
- 7 hours of reading
Henry Fielding, an influential English novelist and dramatist, is celebrated for his satirical and humorous works, particularly the comic novel Tom Jones. He is recognized as a pioneer of the English novel alongside Samuel Richardson. Additionally, he played a significant role in law enforcement by establishing the Bow Street Runners, London's first professional police force. His theatrical writings, notably leading to the Theatrical Licensing Act of 1737, reflect his impact on both literature and society during his time.
This Norton Critical Edition reprints the authoritative Wesleyan text of Joseph Andrews, edited by Martin Battestin.
Joseph Andrews
- 391 pages
- 14 hours of reading
This fascinating volume contains a detailed treatise written by Henry Fielding on his seminal work, Joseph Andrews. Including interesting examinations of his characters and motifs, as well as comments on writing prose fiction in general and the various vicissitudes that come with it, this is a volume that will prove invaluable to the student of English Literature, and it is not to be missed by fans of Fielding's seminal work. 'Joseph Andrews, or The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of his Friend Mr. Abraham Adams', was the first published full-length novel of the English author and magistrate Henry Fielding, and indeed among the first novels in the English language. Henry Fielding (1707 ? 1754) was an English novelist and dramatist known for his rich earthy humour and satirical prowess, and as for being the author of the famous novel Tom Jones. The chapters of this book include: 'Of Writing Lives in General, and Particularly of Pamela with a Word By the Bye of Colley Cibber and Others'; 'Of Mr. Joseph Andrews, His Birth, Parentage, Education, and Great Endowments, With a Word or Two Concerning Ancestors'; 'Or Mr. Abraham Adams the Curate, Mrs. Slipslop the Chambermaid, and Others', et cetera.
Wordsworth Classics: The History of Tom Jones a Founding
Complete and Unabridged
Describes the foundling, Tom, who grows to be athletic, charismatic, generous, and filled with "the glorious lust of doing good" but with a tendency toward dissolution. He leaves home to seek his fortune and his real identity.
Renowned for his earthy humor and satire, Fielding significantly shaped the English novel, with "Tom Jones" being a standout work. He co-founded the Bow Street Runners, marking a pivotal moment in law enforcement history. His involvement in theatre also led to the Theatrical Licensing Act of 1737, a direct response to his provocative plays, notably the unproduced "The Golden Rump." Fielding's contributions extend beyond literature, influencing both policing and theatrical regulation in 18th-century England.
