Henry Fielding

The Don Quixote of 18th century England. 'Adams dealt him so sound a compliment over his face with his fist, that the blood immediately gushed out of his nose in a stream. The Host being unwilling to be outdone in courtesy, especially by a person of Adams's figure, returned the favour with so much gratitude, that the parson's nostrils likewise began to look a little redder than usual.' Inspired by the masterpiece Don Quixote de la Mancha, Henry Fielding,...

Both a picaresque and Bildungsroman, The History of Tom Jones follows the life of its hero from his discovery as a foundling on the property of Squire Allworthy in England's West Country to his banishment from the estate and subsequent journey to London to escape an arranged marriage. Tom's many dalliances and misadventures throughout add to the charm of this bawdy romantic comedy.

The novel is taking place largely in London during 1733. It describes the hardships suffered by a young couple newly married. Against her mother's wishes, Amelia marries Captain William Booth, a dashing young army officer. The couple run away to London. In Book II, William is unjustly imprisoned in Newgate, and is subsequently seduced by Miss Matthews. During this time, it is revealed that Amelia was in a carriage accident and that her nose was ruined....

"The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling" by Henry Fielding is a literary classic that invites readers into the lively world of 18th-century England. This epic novel follows the adventures of Tom Jones, a charming and charismatic foundling, as he embarks on a journey of love, intrigue, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a society filled with hypocrisy and moral ambiguity, Fielding's novel is a rollicking tale that combines humor, satire,...

Featuring an appendix of discussion questions, the Diversion Classics edition is ideal for use in book groups and classrooms. What began as a parody of Samuel Richardson's Pamela became one of Henry Fielding's greatest works, and one of the earliest English novels. Joseph, at the age of ten, becomes the apprentice of a man named Thomas Booby. But as he grows into a handsome young man, he begins to catch the eyes of Lady Booby, Sir Thomas's wife,...

Joseph Andrews, or The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of his Friend Mr. Abraham Adams, tells of a good-natured footman's adventures on the road home from London with his friend and mentor, the absent-minded parson Abraham Adams. As a young man, Joseph is employed by a young widow Lady Bobby as her footman. Joseph escorts Lady Bobby to London where he refuses her attempts at seduction because of his love for poor Fanny Goodwill, so...

The History of Tom Jones is Henry Fielding's greatest work and one of literature's earliest examples of a fully realized protagonist, with both virtues and vices on abundant display. The picaresque story of the orphan Tom, his exile, then subsequent adventures and loves is bristling with the spirit of mid-18th century Britain yet remains a deeply ambitious novel. The frank portrayal of human nature and innovative narrative structure of this classic...

The Lover's Assistant; or, New Art of Love (1760) is an updated translation of Ovid's Ars Amatoria; or, The Art of Love (2 AD) by English satirist Henry Fielding. Divided into three books, Ars Amatoria; or, The Art of Love was immensely popular-if a little controversial-in its time, and has survived numerous charges of indecency over the centuries. For the modern reader, it should prove a surprisingly relatable work on intimacy from an author of the...