Henry Fielding Biography

Henry Fielding (1707-1754) was an English novelist, playwright, and magistrate, best known for his influential contributions to the development of the novel as a literary form. Here’s a concise biography:

Early Life:

• Born on April 22, 1707, in Sharpham Park, Somerset, England.
• Came from a family of the landed gentry; his father was Edmund Fielding, and his mother was Sarah Gould.

Education:

• Attended Eton College.
• Studied at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands.

Career:

• Initially studied law at the Middle Temple in London but shifted his focus to writing and the theater.
• Gained early success as a playwright with works such as “Love in Several Masques” (1728) and “The Tragedy of Tragedies” (1731).

Literary Contributions:

• Wrote his first novel, “Shamela,” anonymously in 1741, a satirical response to Samuel Richardson’s “Pamela.”
• Published his most famous work, “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling,” in 1749, recognized as one of the earliest English novels and a masterpiece of comic fiction.

Legal Career:

• Served as a magistrate and held the position of London’s chief magistrate from 1748 to 1754.
• Played a crucial role in the establishment of the Bow Street Runners, an early form of organized policing in London.

Later Life and Death:

• Faced declining health, in part due to heavy drinking.
• Traveled to Portugal in 1754 seeking a cure but died shortly after arriving in Lisbon on October 8, 1754.

In addition to being a novelist, Fielding also worked as a magistrate and is credited with the establishment of London’s first police force, known as the Bow Street Runners, in 1749. He used his experiences in law and justice to inform some of his works, including the satirical play “The Tragedy of Tragedies” and the novel “Amelia.”

Fielding’s writing often reflected his concerns about social issues, and he was known for his witty and satirical style. His literary contributions, especially in the realm of the novel, have had a lasting impact on English literature.

Henry Fielding’s legacy endures through his significant contributions to the novel genre and his pioneering efforts in early law enforcement. His works, characterized by wit and social commentary, remain influential in the study of 18th-century literature.

Henry Fielding Books

Henry Fielding, the 18th-century English novelist and playwright, wrote several notable works. Some of his most prominent books include:

1. “Joseph Andrews” (1742): Fielding’s first full-length novel, often considered a precursor to “Tom Jones.”
2. “Shamela” (1741): A satirical novella that parodies Samuel Richardson’s “Pamela.”
3. “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling” (1749): Fielding’s masterpiece and one of the earliest novels in English literature. It is a picaresque novel known for its humor and exploration of social issues.
4. “Amelia” (1751): A novel that follows the life of the virtuous heroine, Amelia Booth, and addresses themes of virtue and marriage.
5. “The Life and Death of Jonathan Wild, the Great” (1743): A satirical work that explores the life of a notorious criminal, often seen as a commentary on political figures of the time.
6. “The Tragedy of Tragedies; or, The Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great” (1731): A play written in the form of a parody of tragic drama.
7. “Tom Thumb” (1730): A farcical play, part of the genre known as “dramatic burlesque.”

These are some of Henry Fielding’s significant literary works. “Tom Jones” remains his most famous and enduring novel, celebrated for its narrative complexity, humor, and social commentary.