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,...

The first novel of English magistrate Henry Fielding, "Joseph Andrews" was written in 1742 as a complete extension of the author's pamphlet "Shamela". The latter contains an impressively coarse parody of "Pamela", the Samuel Richardson novel that rewards a servant girl with marriage for protecting her virtue. Shamela, however, utilizes a coy and artificial modesty to procure for herself a husband of wealth. Fielding went on to write "Joseph Andrews",...

Whether the ensuing pages were really the dream or vision of some very pious and holy person; or whether they were really written in the other world, and sent back to this, which is the opinion of many (though I think too much inclining to superstition); or lastly, whether, as infinitely the greatest part imagine, they were really the production of some choice inhabitant of New Bethlehem, is not necessary nor easy to determine. It will be abundantly...

Lisbon was presently fixed on in its room. The air here, as it was near four degrees to the south of Aix, must be more mild and warm, and the winter shorter and less piercing. It was not difficult to find a ship bound to a place with which we carry on so immense a trade. Accordingly, my brother soon informed me of the excellent accommodations for passengers which were to be found on board a ship that was obliged to sail for Lisbon in three days. I...

Der wohlhabende und gutmütige Gutsherr Allworthy, der gemeinsam mit seiner Schwester Bridget auf seinem Landsitz in Somerset lebt, kehrt nach langem Aufenthalt in London nach Hause zurück und findet ein Baby in seinem Bett vor. Er vertraut das Kind seiner Haushälterin Deborah Wilkins an. Jenny Jones, eine junge Frau, die als Dienstbote bei dem Schulmeister Partridge und seiner Frau arbeitet, wird als die vermutliche Mutter ausgemacht. Jenny Jones...

The book tells satiric biographical story of an early 18th century underworld boss Jonathan Wild, from his birth in 1682 until his execution in 1725. Fielding's biography of Jonathan Wild allows him to satirize various aspects of English society at the time.

Abandoned as a baby, rescued and adopted by a country gentleman, Tom Jones grows up kind, handsome, free-spirited, and very popular with the ladies. But he cannot escape his lowly birth. When he falls in love with the bright, beautiful heiress Sophia Western, and she falls in love with him, their families unite against the match. They both end up in London, facing the wiles and whims of Sophia's aunt, the beguiling but dangerous Lady Bellaston, who...

Director Tony Richardson (Tom Jones) returns with another adaptation of a Henry Fielding novel. This one, written in 1742, chronicles the rise of young Joseph Andrews (Peter Firth of Equus) who ascends from mere servant to become the personal footman - and the fancy of - Lady Booby (Ann-Margret). He battles seductions, robberies and rogues while trying to remain faithful to his true love - an equally innocent servant girl. Meanwhile, Lady Booby carefully...