Henry Fielding Classics Collection: The History of Tom Jones, Shamela, Joseph Andrews

Three classic novels in one! In one volume, three of Henry Fielding’s most popular and historically significant literary masterpieces, essential to understanding the development of the English language novel and the political, religious, and social mores of 18th century England. Included in this volume are: The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling (1749) An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews (1741) The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams (1742) Henry Fielding (1707-1754) was an English novelist, playwright, and magistrate who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important authors of the 18th century. He was born in Sharpham Park, Somerset, and educated at Eton College and Leiden University. Fielding is best known for his novels, particularly Tom Jones (1749), which is often considered his masterpiece. He wrote in a variety of genres, including comedy, satire, and tragedy, and his works often reflected his belief in the importance of social reform. He was also an advocate of legal reform, and his novel Joseph Andrews (1742) was a pioneering work in the development of the picaresque novel. In addition to his novels, Fielding also wrote several plays, including the immensely popular The Tragedy of Tragedies; or, The Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great (1730). He also served briefly as a justice of the peace in London and wrote several articles on the subject of legal reform. Fielding’s works often focused on the theme of justice, and his writings have been highly influential in the development of the novel as an art form. His works are noted for their realism, wit, and thematic complexity, and he is often cited as one of the earliest pioneers of the modern novel. Henry Fielding was a major figure in the development of the English novel, and his works remain some of the most popular and celebrated in the English literary canon.