Henry Fielding's The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling is a doorstop of a book, but don't let that scare you. It's one of the most entertaining reads from the 1700s, packed with humor, heart, and a plot that just keeps moving.

The Story

The story kicks off when Squire Allworthy finds an infant, Tom Jones, in his bed. He raises the boy in his grand home, alongside his own nephew, the sneaky and hypocritical Master Blifil. Tom grows up kind but impulsive, while Blifil is all about appearances. The central drama starts when both young men fall for their neighbor's daughter, the wonderful Sophia Western. She only has eyes for Tom, but her fortune-hunting father wants her to marry the 'respectable' Blifil. Through Blifil's lies, Tom is disowned and cast out onto the road. What follows is a wild journey across England. Tom gets into bar fights, has misadventures with soldiers and philosophers, and is constantly (and often unfairly) accused of being a scoundrel. Meanwhile, Sophia runs away from her forced marriage to find him. The whole book builds toward a huge, satisfying reunion in London, where all the secrets about Tom's true parentage finally come out.

Why You Should Read It

First, it's genuinely funny. Fielding has a sharp, witty voice and isn't afraid to poke fun at everyone, from pompous nobles to vain ladies. Tom is a fantastic hero—deeply flawed but so good-natured you can't help but root for him. The real magic is how Fielding explores big ideas without being preachy. He asks: Does society judge people by their birth or their actions? Can someone be truly good if they keep making mistakes? The book argues for kindness and generosity over cold, calculated virtue. It’s a warm, human story that still feels relevant.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves a big, sprawling story with memorable characters and a happy ending. If you enjoy classic authors like Dickens or Austen, you'll see where they got some of their inspiration. It's also great for readers who think 18th-century novels must be stuffy—Fielding is anything but. Give yourself permission to get lost in it. You'll be rewarded with one of the most lively and big-hearted classics ever written.