Tom Jones by Henry Fielding (Penguin Popular Classics)

Description

“Tom Jones” is a classic novel written by the English author Henry Fielding. It was first published in 1749 and is considered one of the earliest and most influential works of the picaresque novel genre in English literature.

The novel tells the story of Tom Jones, a foundling who is brought up by the benevolent Squire Allworthy. As Tom grows up, he embarks on a series of adventures and misadventures, encountering a wide range of characters and situations. He is often motivated by his amorous inclinations, and his romantic escapades lead to numerous complications and misunderstandings. Tom’s character is a combination of good-heartedness and youthful impulsiveness, and his journey is marked by both his virtues and his flaws.

Fielding’s “Tom Jones” is celebrated for its narrative style, wit, humor, and its social and moral commentary. The novel is known for its complex and vivid characters, its satirical examination of society and human behavior, and its exploration of the idea of virtue in a morally ambiguous world.

“Tom Jones” is a significant work of 18th-century English literature, and Henry Fielding is often praised for his storytelling prowess and his contribution to the development of the English novel. The novel remains widely read and studied as a classic of its era and as a precursor to the modern novel form.