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The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling cover art

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

By: Henry Fielding
Narrated by: Kenneth Danzinger
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Summary

A foundling of mysterious parentage, Tom Jones is brought up by the benevolent and wealthy Squire Allworthy as his own son. Tom falls in love with the beautiful and unattainable Sophia Western, a neighbor’s daughter, whose marriage has already been arranged. When Tom’s sexual misadventures around the countryside get him banished, he sets out to make his fortune and find his true identity.

Against the vivid background of 18th-century London, Tom encounters passion, corruption, danger, and intrigue before finally claiming his fortune, legitimacy, and true love. Fielding’s bawdy, colorful, high-spirited novel paints human vices and virtues with unprecedented honesty and good humor, making Tom Jones as fresh and entertaining today as it was 200 years ago.

Public Domain (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Tom Jones…has been admired by many readers as the most meticulously crafted book of its type. With neoclassic objectivity, humor, and fine psychological delicacy, Fielding dissects the motives of his characters to reveal universal truths about human nature.” ( Masterpieces of World Literature)
“Two hundred years have not dimmed Fielding’s realism. His humor is closer to our own than that of any writer before the present century." (Kingsley Amis)

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What listeners say about The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

if school ruined it for you..

What does Kenneth Danzinger bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

try again with this incomparable reading from Kenneth Danzinger who wonderful characterisations bring excitement, fun, humour and life to this story.

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3 people found this helpful

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Very entertaining!

If you could sum up The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling in three words, what would they be?

I had read this before & had watched the book in film form. Thanks to such a great reading, I found new pleasure and didn't spend my time becoming exasperated by Tom. Indeed, he had found a small place in my heart. As in another review, I suggest that you choose your reader, carefully.

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3 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars

Fantastic performance!

Wonderful narration! I have not enjoyed a reading as much as this before! Do listen.

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2 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

more about the author than Tom Jones.,

What did you like best about The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling? What did you like least?

Not a lot. go's on some what!

What was most disappointing about Henry Fielding’s story?

It more about the author than Tom Jones,to much "latin"

Would you listen to another book narrated by Kenneth Danzinger?

yes

Was The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling worth the listening time?

no

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Best

What did you like most about The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling?

I honestly was frightened by the length, but this book is different and entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling?

Tom selling his horse to give the money to Black George.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The introduction of Sophia was truly beautiful.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Best Book Ever

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An excellent romp

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this book to any friend who enjoyed a good read that was lighthearted, a bit saucy and rollicking good fun. A timeless classic.

What other book might you compare The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling to, and why?

I am not sure which book I would compare Tom Jones to, but for the humour without the sauce I would say something like Emma by Jane Austen would stand up to comparison with Tom Jones.

What about Kenneth Danzinger’s performance did you like?

His intonation and expressiveness throughout the novel.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

There is a lot of humour to be found in 'The history of Tom Jones, a foundling'. I cannot imagine anyone listening to this book without a guffaw here and there. Kenneth Danzinger's narration adds to the humour.

Any additional comments?

I have always loved the book and have read it several times. This was the first time I had heard the reading of it as an audiobook, and have loved it just as much.
It is one of the few books that can cross the divide between my own imagining of the characters and Kenneth Danzinger interpretation of the characters.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Stunning performance of one of England’s great novels

An exceptional talent brings Fielding’s lively and bewitching story to vivid life. Well done Blackstone audio. Absolutely superb.

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  • Overall
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Brilliant!

I laughed more often at this wonderful story first published in 1749 than at most modern comedy books.
However this isn't just an amusing story, but a moral one and an intriguing view of how people of all classes lived then. I learned a lot without realising I was doing so.
The whole will stay with me, but I intend to listen to it again quite soon as once the story gets going, it never lags despite the earlier English and the sheer size of the work.
Really good narrator. I loved his Squire Weston and Partridge particularly. I wish there was more of his work to be acquired.
I think this is the best version available and am glad I chose it after reading other reviews.
If you're doubtful, give it a try. It repays the effort in spades.

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