Henry Fielding

Henry Fielding Biography

Henry Fielding (22 April 1707 – 8 October 1754) was an English novelist, playwright, and magistrate, celebrated for his rich humor and satirical prowess. Born in Sharpham Park, Somerset, England, he was the son of Lt.-Gen. Edmund Fielding and Sarah Gould. Fielding received his education at Eton College, where he developed a love for literature and the classics.

In 1728, he moved to the University of Leiden in the Netherlands to study law, but financial constraints led him to abandon his studies and return to London. There, he became a prolific playwright and a leading figure in the theatrical world, known for his satirical plays that often critiqued political corruption. However, the Licensing Act of 1737, which imposed censorship on the stage, curtailed his playwriting career.

Turning to prose, Fielding published Joseph Andrews in 1742, a novel that began as a parody of Samuel Richardson's Pamela but evolved into a work of its own merit. His most acclaimed novel, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, was published in 1749 and is considered a seminal work in English literature, notable for its intricate plotting and vivid characters.

In addition to his literary endeavors, Fielding served as a magistrate in London, where he co-founded the Bow Street Runners, often regarded as London's first professional police force. His commitment to justice and social reform was evident in both his writings and his public service.

Fielding's health declined in his later years, prompting a journey to Lisbon, Portugal, in search of a cure. He documented this voyage in his work, The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon, published posthumously in 1755. Henry Fielding passed away in Lisbon on 8 October 1754, leaving behind a legacy as one of the founders of the English novel and a pioneer in law enforcement reform.

Trivia About Henry Fielding

• Fielding's sister, Sarah Fielding, was also a novelist and is credited with writing the first English novel focused on a female protagonist.
• He wrote under various pseudonyms, including "Scriblerus Secundus."
• Fielding's satirical play, The Historical Register for the Year 1736, contributed to the implementation of the Licensing Act of 1737.
• Despite his aristocratic background, Fielding faced financial difficulties throughout his life.

Famous Quotes by Henry Fielding

• "Make money your god, and it will plague you like the devil."
• "Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea."
• "A rich man without charity is a rogue; and perhaps it would be no difficult matter to prove that he is also a fool."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Henry Fielding?

Henry Fielding was an English novelist, playwright, and magistrate, best known for his novels Joseph Andrews and Tom Jones, and for co-founding the Bow Street Runners, London's first professional police force.

What is 'Tom Jones' about?

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling is a novel that follows the life and adventures of its eponymous hero, Tom Jones, exploring themes of virtue and vice, and providing a vivid panorama of 18th-century English society.

What was the Licensing Act of 1737?

The Licensing Act of 1737 was legislation enacted by the British government to censor and control theatrical performances, largely in response to the political satires of playwrights like Henry Fielding.

Related Literary Movements

Henry Fielding was a prominent figure in the Augustan Age, a period in English literature characterized by satire and an emphasis on classical ideals. His works are also associated with the development of the novel as a literary form in the 18th century.

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