Author
Henry Fielding
1707-1754
Henry Fielding (1707-1754) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Henry Fielding
History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
"History of Tom Jones, a Foundling" by Henry Fielding is a comic novel published in 1749. This picaresque tale follows Tom, an abandoned baby raised by the wealthy Squire Allworthy, as he grows into a spirited youth who falls in love with his neighbor's daughter, Sophia Western. When jealous schemes and his status as a foundling threaten their romance, Tom is banished and embarks on adventurous travels across Britain. Mysteries of birth, cases of mistaken identity, and unexpected revelations converge in this intricately plotted story of love and fortune.
Joseph Andrews, Vol. 1
"Joseph Andrews, Vol. 1" by Henry Fielding is a novel published in 1742. When virtuous footman Joseph Andrews rejects his employer Lady Booby's advances, he loses his position and sets out from London to reunite with his true love, Fanny Goodwill. Along the road, he encounters his mentor, the absent-minded Parson Abraham Adams, and together they navigate a series of comic misadventures. Fielding crafted this work as a "comic epic poem in prose," blending bawdy humor with philosophical insight while satirizing the popular literature of his day.
The Lovers Assistant; Or, New Art of Love
"The Lovers Assistant; Or, New Art of Love" by Henry Fielding and Ovid is a satirical guide on romance written in the mid-18th century. This work blends elements of classic literature with 18th-century social customs, presenting a humorous take on the art of love through a series of allegories and lessons. The text takes on a playful voice, setting out rules and strategies for young gentlemen on how to engage in romantic pursuits. At the start of this treatise, the narrator positions himself as a "Preceptor of Love," who invites young men to learn the art of cunningly wooing women. He outlines the essential steps to romance: selecting a proper mistress, winning her affections, and maintaining mutual love. Drawing on a range of classical references and lively anecdotes, the narrator emphasizes the importance of confidence, timing, and knowing one’s audience while pursuing love interests. The introduction serves as a playful yet instructive prelude to the satirical advice he will dispense throughout the work.
Joseph Andrews, Vol. 2
"Joseph Andrews, Vol. 2" by Henry Fielding is a novel published in 1742. This groundbreaking work follows the virtuous footman Joseph Andrews and his absent-minded mentor, Parson Abraham Adams, on their picaresque journey home from London. Written as a "comic epic poem in prose," the novel blends bawdy humor with philosophical depth as Joseph resists temptation and seeks reunion with his true love, Fanny Goodwill. Through roadside adventures, mistaken identities, and farcical encounters, Fielding crafts a satirical response to the sentimental novels of his era while exploring themes of virtue, hypocrisy, and social pretension.
Amelia — Complete
"Amelia — Complete" by Henry Fielding is a novel published in December 1751. This domestic tale follows the turbulent marriage of Amelia and Captain William Booth as they navigate poverty, temptation, and misfortune in 1730s London. When Booth lands in prison and succumbs to seduction, Amelia remains faithful despite attention from other suitors. Gambling debts and mounting troubles threaten to destroy them. Rich with classical allusions and exploring themes of marriage and feminine virtue, this final novel from Fielding presents a darker portrait of love tested by circumstance.
The History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great
"The History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great" by Henry Fielding is a satirical novel published in 1743. It tells the story of Jonathan Wild, a notorious London underworld boss who worked as a thief-taker while secretly managing a criminal network. Fielding uses Wild's life to satirize English society and political corruption, particularly targeting Prime Minister Robert Walpole. The novel blends criminal biography with romance and social commentary in a darkly ironic portrait of "greatness."
A Journey from This World to the Next
"A Journey from This World to the Next" by Henry Fielding is a satirical novel written in the early 18th century. The narrative follows a protagonist who, upon dying, embarks on an allegorical journey to the afterlife, encountering various spirits and interpreting the experiences of life and death through whimsical adventures and philosophical reflections. The opening of the novel introduces the protagonist's death and his immediate meeting with Mercury, who guides him to the stage that leads to the other world. After a humorous escape from his lifeless body, the protagonist learns he must quickly depart for the afterlife. The narrative is rich with whimsical observations about the nature of life and death, as he begins his journey filled with interactions with other spirits, each offering tales of their own deaths and engaging in discussions about the follies of the earthly realm. The tone is light-hearted yet thought-provoking, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of moral and philosophical themes through satire.
The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon
"The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon" by Henry Fielding is a travel diary written in 1754. Fielding, suffering from severe illness, embarks on a six-week sea journey to Portugal in search of a warmer climate. The voyage is plagued by delays, rough weather, and countless stops along England's coast. Through humor and irony, Fielding chronicles daily mishaps, uncomfortable accommodations, and disagreeable innkeepers while reflecting on maritime life and human nature. This posthumously published work captures his final months with both wit and stoic resignation.
An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews
"An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews" by Henry Fielding is a satirical novella published in 1741. This sharp parody attacks Samuel Richardson's popular novel "Pamela" by revealing its heroine as a scheming imposter. Through fake letters, Fielding transforms Richardson's virtuous servant girl into Shamela—a cunning prostitute's daughter who manipulates her master into marriage. The work mocks Richardson's moral messages about female chastity as commodity and exposes what Fielding saw as hypocrisy beneath the original's surface, rewriting the beloved tale through a deforming magnifying glass.
The Works of Henry Fielding, vol. 12
"The Works of Henry Fielding, vol. 12" by Henry Fielding is a collection of theatrical works and miscellaneous writings created in the early 18th century. This volume contains various pieces, including the farce "The Author's Farce," which humorously critiques the theatrical profession of the time through the interactions of literary figures, and "The Tragedy of Tragedies; or, The Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great," which parodies the conventions of tragedy as well as societal and artistic pretensions. The narrative is propelled by characters such as Luckless, a struggling playwright, and his romantic interest, Harriot, as they navigate financial difficulties and a chaotic world of performance. The opening of the collection presents a lively introduction to "The Author's Farce," establishing the setting in Mrs. Moneywood's house, where the protagonist Luckless finds himself in a humorous confrontation with his landlady regarding his inability to pay rent while also revealing his aspirations of writing a successful play. The witty exchanges highlight Luckless’s precarious situation compounded by his financial woes, as well as the comedic dynamics between him and his landlady. As the plot develops, Luckless's interactions with both Mrs. Moneywood and his fellow writers reveal the absurdities of the theatrical world and the hardships faced by artists. This amusing start sets the tone for the ensuing farce and introduces the reader to Fielding’s incisive commentary on societal norms and artistic ambitions.
The Works of Henry Fielding, vol. 11 A Journey From This World to the Next; and A Voyage to Lisbon
"The Works of Henry Fielding, vol. 11" by Henry Fielding is a collection of works composed in the early to mid-18th century. This volume features "A Journey from This World to the Next" and "A Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon," showcasing Fielding's satirical exploration of life, death, and the human condition. The narrative focuses on an allegorical journey after death, potentially intertwined with social commentary, reflecting on concepts such as virtue, morality, and the follies of humanity. At the start of "A Journey from This World to the Next," the author describes the experience of dying and meeting Mercury, who guides him towards the stage for the afterlife. After departing his physical body, the author reflects on the absurdities he encounters, including a coach ride with various spirits who share the stories of their deaths. Each spirit offers insights into their past lives and ailments, contributing to a diverse tapestry of characters that underline themes of mortality and the varying perspectives on life’s misfortunes. As the journey unfolds, readers are introduced to a blend of humor and pathos, providing a thoughtful examination of human nature through the lens of the afterlife.
Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Henry Fielding
"Index of the Project Gutenberg Works of Henry Fielding" by Henry Fielding is a comprehensive compilation of the works of one of the notable figures of the 18th century English literature, written during the early to mid-18th century. This book serves as an indexed guide to Fielding's various works, which largely consist of novels, essays, and plays that explore themes of social commentary, morality, and human behavior. As such, it encapsulates the essence of Fielding's literary contributions, focusing on topics ranging from societal critiques to personal narratives. The index includes notable works such as "The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling," "Amelia," and "Joseph Andrews," among others. These texts cover a range of characters and adventures that highlight the complexities of human nature and society. For instance, "Tom Jones" narrates the misadventures of an abandoned child as he navigates the challenges of love and identity. In "Joseph Andrews," Fielding uses humor and satire to address issues of virtue and the folly of societal norms, while "Amelia" explores the trials and tribulations of its titular character in a society fraught with moral dilemmas. This index not only provides an easy reference to Fielding's published works but also invites readers to engage with the rich narrative styles and social observations characteristic of his writing.
Amelia — Volume 3
"Amelia — Volume 3" by Henry Fielding is a novel published in 1751. This third volume continues the story of Amelia and Captain William Booth as they navigate the perils of married life in London. Captain Booth's gambling debts and poor judgment repeatedly endanger the couple, while Amelia faces unwanted advances from other men. The narrative draws heavily on classical literature, particularly Virgil's Aeneid, mirroring its structure and themes. As financial ruin threatens to destroy them, an unexpected revelation about Amelia's inheritance promises hope for their troubled future.
Amelia — Volume 2
"Amelia — Volume 2" by Henry Fielding is a novel published in 1751. This continuation follows the troubled marriage of Amelia and Captain William Booth as they navigate the perils of 18th-century London society. While Amelia remains steadfast against the advances of various suitors, her husband's weaknesses—seduction, gambling debts, and imprisonment—threaten their union. Inspired by Fielding's own life and rich with classical allusions, this domestic drama explores themes of fidelity, forgiveness, and feminine virtue against a backdrop of poverty and social pressure.
Amelia — Volume 1
"Amelia — Volume 1" by Henry Fielding is a novel published in 1751. It follows the turbulent marriage of Amelia and Captain William Booth as they navigate poverty, temptation, and hardship in London. When William is imprisoned, both face tests of faithfulness—he succumbs to seduction while Amelia resists admirers. William's gambling debts plunge them deeper into crisis, landing him in debtors' prison. Rich with classical allusions and exploring themes of marriage and feminine virtue, this domestic drama reveals the struggles of a devoted couple against relentless misfortune.
The Old Debauchees. A Comedy
"The Old Debauchees. A Comedy" by Henry Fielding is a play written in 1732. Based on a scandalous real-life trial, this controversial comedy tells the story of a Catholic priest who schemes to manipulate a father into unknowingly seducing his own daughter. When the intended victim discovers the plot, she devises her own trap to expose the corrupt clergyman. The play blends social commentary with anti-Catholic sentiment while exploring themes of morality, deception, and societal hypocrisy in Georgian England.
Tom Jones : $b De lotgevallen van een vondeling
"Tom Jones: De lotgevallen van een vondeling" by Henry Fielding is a comic novel first published in 1749. This picaresque tale follows Tom, an abandoned baby raised by the wealthy Squire Allworthy, as he grows into a passionate young man in love with his neighbor's daughter, Sophia Western. When his illegitimate birth threatens their romance and schemes turn him out of his home, Tom embarks on adventurous travels across Britain. Filled with misunderstandings, jealous rivals, and hidden secrets, the story races toward revelations that will change everything.