The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding

Nonetheless, 'Such was the demand that all 2,500 copies in print had already been sold by the date announced for its a official publication, a phenomenon that one observer believed to be 'an unheard-of case.' Tom Jones quickly sold 10,000 copies, making it one of the great best-sellers of its time it has never since been out of print.' (John Allen Stevenson, The Real History of Tom Jones). Tom Jones, the book that established this idea of the comic novel, received very mixed reviews upon publication: Sameul Taylor Coleridge said of him, 'And how charming, how wholesome, Fielding always is! To take him up after Richardson, is like emerging from a sick room heated by stoves, into an open lawn.', while Samuel Johnson wrote 'Sir, there is more knowledge of the heart in one letter of Richardson's, than in all Tom Jones.' Besides being an extremely prolific writer, Henry Fielding was a successful magistrate, founder of the Metropolitan Police, and pioneer of the comic novel. This adaptation of Henry Fieldings 1749 comic romp The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, premieres Sunday on PBS, and stars Solly McLeod and Sophie Wilde. Tom Jones is a foundling discovered on the property of a very kind, wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy. Of this bird, Sophia, then about thirteen years old, was so extremely fond, that her chief business was to feed and tend it, and her chief pleasure to play with it.

Second edition (published in the same year as the first, with corrections) of Fielding's masterpiece. The novel is divided into 18 smaller books. Tom Jones, when very young, had presented Sophia with a little bird, which he had taken from the nest, had nursed up, and taught to sing.

The structure of the story perhaps has never been equalled nor is there any work that more frequently or more happily excites emotions of the most elevated and delicious generosity.'-William Godwin, 'Of English Style', The Enquirer 'Fielding's novel of Tom Jones is certainly one of the most admirable performances in the world. Henry Fieldings 1749 novel (the full title - The History Of Tom Jones, A Foundling helps avoid any confusion with a certain Welsh singer) is an epic at.

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Henry Fielding