Henry Fielding (1707-1754) was an English novelist and playwright, best known for his novel “Tom Jones” and his satirical plays. He was born on April 22, 1707, in Sharpham Park, Somerset, England.
Fielding grew up in a family of aristocratic background and received a classical education at Eton and the University of Leiden. After returning to England, he became a lawyer and worked as a magistrate and a judge. However, his true passion was for writing, and he began to write plays and satirical works, often under the pseudonym “Captain Hercules Vinegar.”
In 1741, Fielding published his first novel, “Joseph Andrews,” which was a parody of Samuel Richardson’s popular novel “Pamela.” He went on to write several other novels, including “Tom Jones” (1749), which is considered his masterpiece and one of the greatest novels in English literature. His novels are known for their bawdy humor, sharp wit, and social commentary.
In addition to his work as a novelist, Fielding was also a successful playwright, and his plays were popular in London theaters. His most famous play, “The Beggar’s Opera,” was a satire of Italian opera and became a huge success in London in 1728.
Fielding’s personal life was marked by a number of scandals and controversies, including accusations of bribery and corruption during his time as a magistrate. He also suffered from poor health and financial difficulties throughout his life.
Fielding died on October 8, 1754, in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 47, while serving as a British diplomat. His legacy as a writer and satirist has had a lasting impact on English literature, and his works continue to be read and studied today.
There are numerous huge errors in this biography – in fact, the entire thing has incorrect chronology and facts.
Henry Fielding : Biography