The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, by Henry Fielding BOOK I Containing as much of the birth of the foundling as is necessary or proper to acquaint the reader with in the beginning of this history Chapter 1 The introduction to the work, or bill of fare to the feast An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who… Read the rest of this passage →

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, by Henry Fielding BOOK VI Containing about three weeks Chapter 1 Of love In our last book we have been obliged to deal pretty much with the passion of love; and in our succeeding book shall be forced to handle this subject still more largely. It may not therefore in this place be improper to apply ourselves to the examination of that modern doctrine, by… Read the rest of this passage →

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, by Henry Fielding BOOK XII Containing the same individual time with the former Chapter 1 Showing what is to be deemed plagiarism in a modern author, and what is to be considered as lawful prize The learned reader must have observed that in the course of this mighty work, I have often translated passages out of the best antient authors, without quoting… Read the rest of this passage →

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, by Henry Fielding BOOK XV In which the history advances about two days Chapter 1 Too short to need a preface There are a set of religious, or rather moral writers, who teach that virtue is the certain road to happiness, and vice to misery, in this world. A very wholesome and comfortable doctrine, and to which we have but one objection, namely, that it… Read the rest of this passage →

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, by Henry Fielding BOOK IX Containing twelve hours Chapter 1 Of those who lawfully may, and of those who may not, write such histories as this Among other good uses for which I have thought proper to institute these several introductory chapters, I have considered them as a kind of mark or stamp, which may hereafter enable a very indifferent reader to… Read the rest of this passage →

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, by Henry Fielding BOOK X In which the history goes forward about twelve hours Chapter 1 Containing instructions very necessary to be perused by modern critics Reader, it is impossible we should know what sort of person thou wilt be; for, perhaps, thou may’st be as learned in human nature as Shakespear himself was, and, perhaps, thou may’st be no wiser… Read the rest of this passage →