Henry Fielding
This collection presents a sharp, comedic lens on the literary and theatrical worlds of 18th-century England. In The Author’s Farce, Fielding mocks the commercialization of publishing and the absurdities of stagecraft through a meta-theatrical play-within-a-play. Paired with other works that blend satire, parody, and cultural critique, the volume highlights Fielding’s wit and enduring relevance as both playwright and socialHenry Fielding (1707-1754) was an English novelist and dramatist known for his rich earthy humor and satirical prowess, in particular for the novel Tom Jones. Fielding is also know for co-founding the Bow Street Runners, what some have called London’s first police force. This volume contains a puppet show, The Author’s Farce; two plays, The Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great and Pasquin; and several essays.