Showing results by author "Henry Fielding" in All Categories

As truth distinguishes our writings from those idle romances which are filled with monsters, the productions, not of nature, but of distempered brains; and which have been therefore recommended by an eminent critic to the sole use of the pastry-cook; so, on the other hand, we would avoid any resemblance to that kind of history which a celebrated poet seems to think is no less calculated for the emolument of the brewer, as the reading it should be always attended with a tankard of good ale.

An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons are welcome for their money. In the former case, it is well known that the entertainer provides what fare he pleases; and though this should be very indifferent, and utterly disagreeable to the taste of his company, they must not find any fault; nay, on the contrary, good breeding forces them outwardly to approve and to commend whatever is set before them.

A foundling of mysterious parentage brought up by Mr. Allworthy on his country estate, Tom Jones is deeply in love with the seemingly unattainable Sophia Western, the beautiful daughter of the neighboring squire. BOOK 8: As we are now entering upon a book in which the course of our history will oblige us to relate some matters of a more strange and surprizing kind than any which have hitherto occurred, it may not be amiss, in the prolegomenous or introductory chapter, to say something of that species of writing which is called the marvellous.

Peradventure there may be no parts in this prodigious work which will give the reader less pleasure in the perusing, than those which have given the author the greatest pains in composing. Among these probably may be reckoned those initial essays which we have prefixed to the historical matter contained in every book; and which we have determined to be essentially necessary to this kind of writing, of which we have set ourselves at the head.

It is impossible we should know what sort of person thou wilt be; for, perhaps, thou may'st be as learned in human nature as Shakespear himself was, and, perhaps, thou may'st be no wiser than some of his editors. Now, lest this latter should be the case, we think proper, before we go any farther together, to give thee a few wholesome admonitions; that thou may'st not as grossly misunderstand and misrepresent us, as some of the said editors have misunderstood and misrepresented their author.

Though we have properly enough entitled this our work, a history, and not a life; nor an apology for a life, as is more in fashion; yet we intend in it rather to pursue the method of those writers, who profess to disclose the revolutions of countries, than to imitate the painful and voluminous historian, who, to preserve the regularity of his series, thinks himself obliged to fill up as much paper with the detail of months and years in which nothing remarkable happened, as he employs upon those notable aeras when the greatest scenes have been transacted on the human stage.

In our last book we have been obliged to deal pretty much with the passion of love; and in our succeeding book shall be forced to handle this subject still more largely. It may not therefore in this place be improper to apply ourselves to the examination of that modern doctrine, by which certain philosophers, among many other wonderful discoveries, pretend to have found out, that there is no such passion in the human breast.

Henry Fieldings Roman "Tom Jones: Geschichte eines Findlings" ist einer der ersten Romane der Weltliteratur, und zwar in des Wortes doppelter Bedeutung: zeitlich und hinsichtlich seines literarischen Ranges. Die Geschichte des Findlings ist - bei aller Dramatik der Ereignisse - gemächlich erzählt und durchwärmt von einem feinen ironischen Humor. Besonders vergnüglich sind die augenzwinkernden Kommentare des Autors zu seinem Werk.

Genri Filding (1707 - 1754) - znamenityj anglijskij pisatel' i dramaturg XVIII veka, izvesten svoim zhitejskim jumorom i satiricheskim masterstvom. Odin iz osnovopolozhnikov realisticheskogo romana. Spektakl' "Sud'ja v lovushke" - komedija, oblichajushhaja nespravedlivost' anglijskogo zakonodatel'stva, prodazhnost' politicheskih dejatelej, sistemu podkupov, vsjacheskie moshennichestva.

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, often known simply as Tom Jones, is a comic novel by the English playwright and novelist Henry Fielding. First published on 28 February 1749, Tom Jones is among the earliest English prose works describable as a novel. Tom Jones is a foundling discovered on the property of a very kind, wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy, in Somerset in England's West Country. Tom grows into a vigorous and lusty, yet honest and kind-hearted, youth.

Tom Jones is widely regarded as Fielding's greatest novel - a wonderful, picaresque adventure that takes Tom, a foundling, on a hilarious and by turns scandalous journey, rife with amorous encounters that often incur the wrath of those around him...

Dive into the captivating world of Amelia, the second volume that continues to enchant readers. Join Libby Gohn as she beautifully summarizes this intriguing tale, unfolding layers of emotion and adventure.

Often regarded as Fieldings first novel, History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great was likely penned before his more well-known works like Shamela and Joseph Andrews. This sharp satire targets Robert Walpole, drawing an intriguing parallel between the notorious gang leader and highwayman Jonathan Wild. Fielding cleverly likens the Whig party in Parliament to a band of thieves led by Walpole, whose relentless ambition to be seen as a Great Man—a title he often claimed—ultimately leads to his ironic downfall being hanged. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Tom Jones is a splendid Hogarthian panorama of 18th-century English life and morals, encompassing both city and country, and comprising some of the greatest comic characters in British literature. First published in 1749, it was an instant success and has gone on to become a classic of its genre. Quite simply, there has never been anything like it.

An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews, commonly known as Shamela, is a biting satirical novel penned by Henry Fielding and first released in April 1741 under the pseudonym Mr. Conny Keyber. Although Fielding never officially claimed authorship, the work is widely attributed to him. This novel serves as a scathing critique of the then-cherished Pamela by Samuel Richardson, Fieldings literary rival. Presented in the epistolary format, Shamela reveals an astonishing twist on the life of Pamela Andrews, unraveling her true identity as Shamela—a cunning and immoral character intent on ...

In a tangled web of manipulation and desire, young Laroon is set to marry Isabel, but Father Martin has other plans. He cunningly influences Isabels father, Jourdain, to pursue his own lustful ambitions. As the plot thickens, both Laroon men resort to disguises and guilt tactics to sway Jourdain to their favor. Meanwhile, Isabel, wise to the unfolding schemes, crafts her own clever trap for Father Martin. When she finally exposes his true intentions, the stakes rise, leading to a dramatic confrontation and consequences for the devious priest. (Summary by Wikipedia)

In this delightful adaptation, we find Don Quixote and his loyal squire Sancho transported to the English countryside. At a quaint inn, the Knight of the Woeful Countenance encounters a host of eccentric characters, each as mad as he is. Join us for a whimsical journey filled with humor and adventure, as these beloved characters navigate the quirks of their new surroundings.

In a twist of fate, Henry Fielding found himself unable to publish his plays, leading him to craft a farcical masterpiece about his very struggle. This play culminates in an entertaining third act that features a mock Puppet Show, delightfully performed by actors, titled The Pleasures of the Town. Join us for a humorous and insightful exploration of the trials of authorship, brought to life by a talented cast, including Luckless, the beleaguered author, and a colorful ensemble of characters. - Summary by ToddHW

Tom Jones by Henry Fielding is a comedic novel that follows the life and adventures of its foundling protagonist, Tom Jones, as he navigates through love, betrayal, and society's expectations. The novel is celebrated for its vivid characters, intricate plot, and exploration of human nature and morality, making it a significant work in the development of the novel as a literary form. Fielding's satirical lens critiques the hypocrisy of 18th-century British society while ultimately advocating for virtue and goodness.

In this captivating tale, the narrator meets his end right from the first sentence. As he recounts his adventures in the afterlife, Henry Fielding‚renowned author of Tom Jones and Joseph Andrews‚offers a witty and insightful satire on life in our earthly realm. (Summary by Denny Sayers) This project was proof listened by Linda Andrus and Betty M.