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Henry Fielding (1707-54)
Who?
Another founding father of the novel, Fielding invents a new genre which he describes as a 'comic epic in prose'. His novels become models for Charles Dickens and WM Thackeray.
Must reads
Shamela (1741), Joseph Andrews (1742) and Tom Jones (1749).
Darkest hour
In 1737, theatre censorship (the Stage Licensing Act) was introduced to stop writers such as Fielding from satirising the government. In 1744, his wife died and for a year he was incapable of writing.
Greatest triumph
After censorship destroyed his theatre work, he turned his satirical wit to novel-writing.
Essential quotes
'Public schools are the nurseries of all vice and immorality.' (Joseph Andrews)
'His designs were strictly honorable, as the phrase is; that is, to rob a lady of her fortune by way of marriage.' (Tom Jones)
'Oh! The roast beef of England, And old England's roast beef.' (The Grub Street Opera)
Gossip
At 19, Fielding attempted to elope with an heiress but failed, and began writing for the stage instead. In 1734, he married Charlotte Cradock, who died 10 years later. In 1747, he married her maid, Mary Daniel, causing considerable scandal.
Did u know?
Born to an impoverished army officer and educated at Eton, Fielding wrote 25 satirical plays between 1729 and 1737. In 1736, he was briefly manager of a London theatre. He finally died in Lisbon where he had gone to cure his gout and asthma.
What to say
Try quoting the poet and critic Samuel Taylor Coleridge: 'Taking up Fielding after Richardson is like emerging from a sick room heated by stoves into an open lawn on a breezy day in May.'
Don't sing
'Sexbomb, sexbomb.' (Tom Jones)
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