The History of Tom Jones, Foundling The History of Tom Jones, Foundling The History of Tom Jones, Foundling Henry Fielding's Canonical Picaresque Novel Tom Jones, Henry Fielding. Wikimedia Commons Updated March 02, 2016. About.com Rating The History of Tom Jones, Foundling, commonly referred to just as Tom Jones, is a 1749 comic novel by Henry Fielding . It's both a coming-of-age story and a work of picaresque fiction. Tom Jones is one of the first published works in English to be called a novel, first released as 18 separate books. Tom Jones is considered a canonical work of English literature , one that has influenced numerous writers since its release. Fielding is remembered for his brilliant satire and humor. Much of his early life was spent in poverty, which serves as the basis for much of the plot of Tom Jones. Tom Jones was dedicated to Sir George Lyttleton, a patron of the arts and a supporter of both Fielding and Alexander Pope . Overview: How Tom Came to be a Foundling Two brothers, Dr Blifil and Captain Blifil, regularly visit the Allworthy estate.

The doctor introduces the captain to Bridget in hopes of marrying into Allworthy's wealth. The couple soon marry. After the marriage, Captain Blifil begins to show a coldness to his brother, who eventually feels obliged to leave the house for London where he soon dies "of a broken heart". continue reading below our video 10 Facts About the Titanic That You Don't Know Captain Blifil and his wife start to grow cool towards one another, and the former is found dead from apoplexy one evening after taking his customary evening stroll prior to dinner. By then he has fathered a boy, who grows up with the bastard Tom. Tom grows into a vigorous and lusty, yet honest and kind-hearted, youth. His first love is Molly, gamekeeper Black George's second daughter and a local beauty. She throws herself at Tom; he gets her pregnant and then feels obliged to offer her his protection. After some time, however, Tom finds out that Molly is somewhat promiscuous. He then falls in love with a neighbouring squire's lovely daughter, Sophia Western. Tom's status as a bastard causes Sophia's father and Allworthy to oppose their love; this criticism of class friction in society acted as a biting social commentary.

The inclusion of prostitution and sexual promiscuity in the plot was also original for its time, and the foundation for criticism of the book's "lowness".[5] Tom Jones, a country boy, is discovered as a baby (a foundling) on the estate of Squire Allworthy, and is brought up in the Squire's household as a son. He grows up and falls in love with Sophia Western, whose father opposes their relationship since Tom is believed to be the son of unwed parents. It's these class divisions that provide some of Fielding's most pointed social commentary. Squire Allworthy wants his daughter to marry his nephew Bilfil, Tom's rival from childhood days. Bilfil conspires to have Allworthy cast Tom out of his house. So, Tom is forced into a journey during which he seduces even more women (including Jenny Jones, whom everyone believes is his mother). All the while Tom pines for Sophia. In the final pages it seems that Tom's wayward ways have led him to the gallows, but a revelatory ending saves him from the noose--just as his true identity is brought to light.

Far from being the son of Jenny Jones, he is Bilfil's illegitimate half-brother, Allworthy's nephew. So, he is the heir to a fortune worthy of Sophia's hand. Fortunately for Tom, it also means that he didn't sleep with his own mother. Discovery of the Lost Boy The novel has many twists and turns which give it a sense of adventure. But, Tom Jones is first and foremost a satire on societal organization and the class system of 18th century England . The central character resides outside of the class system, as an abandoned child, of uncertain parentage. Based on his past--without the ensuing revelations--Tom would never be considered worthy to wed his true love, Sophia. The novel provides sharp contrast between Tom and his basically decent nature, and Bilfil's hypocrisy, which allowed Fielding to criticize what he saw as the hypocritical nature of Methodism. The novel is set during a period known as the Forty Five, a rebellion which sought to make Roman Catholicism the established religion of Great Britain.

Within Tom Jones, the Author Speaks One of the delights of Fielding's novel is the voice of Fielding himself who, with his direct addresses to the reader, becomes a fully-fledged character in his own right. Not unlike Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy, a classic novel published at a similar time, Fielding's narrator is enormously influential in setting the tone of Tom Jones, and is happy to pontificate on issues only tangentially related to its narrative. The narrator's voice wallows in the ironies that abound in the novel, and becomes a companion who the reader learns to trust and respect--much like we would a congenial friend who takes pleasure in guiding us through the world that he himself finds enormously amusing. With its winding tales, burlesque humor, and central moral of living life the way you want, the novel still makes its relevance felt today--and is still amusing all who read it. Its deft use of comic techniques, rhetorical figures and mock heroic passages--a fight in a village is written as though it were a scene from the Iliad makes it a wonderfully witty piece, that is able to mix coarse and highbrow humor without over-egging its comic pudding.

Without a doubt, Tom Jones remains one of the most sparkling novels written in English. The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling News The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Synopsis BBC adaptation of The History of Tom Jones by Henry Fielding. A new adaptation of the classic novel by Henry Fielding of the life, loves and adventures of the charming rascal Tom Jones. A foundling child born of a serving wench but allowed to grow up in the privileged surroundings of Squire Allworthy's household. This position allows him to grow up with, make the acquaintance of and eventually fall in love with the beautiful daughter of his wealthy neighbour, Sophia Western. However, the path to true love rarely runs smooth and family pressure, the difference in their parentage and 18th century social custom prevent the young lovers from being together. The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Details First Aired The History Of Tom Jones, a Foundling by Fielding, Henry The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling. Fielding, Henry London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. First edition.

President Theodore Roosevelt's copy, with his arms "Qui plantavit curabit" bookplate to each pastedown. Small octavo, six volumes. Bound in full calf. All edges gilt, gilt titles and tooling to the spines, double gilt ruled to the front and rear panels, inner dentelles, marbled endpapers. With the errata leaf present in vol. I and with most called for cancels: Vol. I: B9, 10; Vol. II: N12; Vol. III: H8-10, M3; Vol. IV: B1, Vol. V: N8. [without the cancels at B4 and 5 in vol. II and Q11 in vol. III]. Light wear to the extremities. An exceptional set with fine provenance. "The book is generally regarded as Fieldings greatest, and as one of the first and most influential of English novels" (Drabble, 988).

"Such was the demand that all 2,500 copies in print had already been sold by the date announced for its 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). The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling Fielding, Henry London: for A Millar. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Very Good. FIRST EDITION OF FIELDING'S MASTERPIECE. Besides being an extremely prolific writer, Henry Fielding was a successful magistrate, founder of the Metropolitan Police, and pioneer of the comic novel. 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." 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). First edition, with the errata leaf in vol. 1, and cancels B9-10 (I), B4-5 (II), H8-10, M3(III) and N8 (V). Rothschild 850. London: A. Millar, 1749. 12mo, contemporary full calf rebacked. 6 vols. With handsome bookplate of noted collector Arthur Wilmer Lissauer on front pastedown.

Light wear to bindings, very minor occasional foxing. A very handsome set. The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. FIELDING, Henry. London: for A. Millar,, 1749. In Six Volumes. 6 volumes, duodecimo. Contemporary tan calf, spines gilt in compartments, red and green morocco labels, red speckled edges. Housed in brown cloth slip case by the Chelsea Bindery. Repair to title page of volume I, bindings a little rubbed and professionally repaired at the joints and corners, occasional light spotting to contents. An excellent set. First edition, with the errata leaf in volume I. One of only three 18th-century English novels (with Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver's Travels) still widely read with real pleasure by modern audiences, with all the points to distinguish it from the virtually identical reprint of the same year: vol. 1: errata leaf after contents, cancels B9 & B10; vol. 2 cancels B4 & B5, both signed 'vol. II'; vol. 3 cancels H8, H9, H10, M3, Q11; vol.

5 cancel N8, signed 'Vol. V'; vol. 6 B5 unsigned. This set in attractive contemporary bindings. THE HISTORY OF TOM JONES, A FOUNDLING FIELDING, HENRY London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. FIRST EDITION, First State, with all points noted by Cross and Rothschild y. This is a tastefully bound copy of Fielding's 18th century classic and a landmark publication, here complete in the first issue of its first edition. As Cross says, "No one before Fielding had ever written a novel comparable with his in its reliance upon contemporary facts of human nature, and this brilliant and innovative narrative met with such immediate commercial success that the first printing [of 1749] was sold out before its printing could be finished, and at least four more editions were published in the same year as the first." The work is divided into 18 books, each preceded by an introductory essay (wherein can be found some of Fielding's best prose) on some theme more or less connected with the story, in the manner subsequently adopted by Thackeray and George Eliot.

The plot begins with the finding and raising of Tom by Squire Allworthy and his sister Bridget and then follows Tom's adventures, many amorous, after his banishment from the Allworthy house prompted by bad behavior. In the comic ending, mysteries are revealed and relationships set aright. Day says this was the first avowed novel in English (Fielding's precursor, Defoe, claimed his stories were true and Richardson said that his were akin to sermons), and a work that some still call the greatest novel in English because of its attention to characters set against the backdrop of society. Our first issue set has the errata uncorrected in the first five volumes, and volume VI is also in the first state because leaf [B5] is unsigned. The title to volume V is of the earliest setting, with the motto reading "Mores Hominum Multorum.". 165 x 102 mm. (6 1/2 x 4"). Six volumes. FIRST EDITION, First State, with all points noted by Cross and Rothschild.

FINE LATE 19TH CENTURY MOTTLED CALF IN THE STYLE OF THE PERIOD BY RIVIERE AND SON (stamp-signed on the front flyleaf of each volume), covers with double fillet borders and rosette corners, raised bands with dotted ruling, spine compartments with palmettes within lobed panels at top and bottom, curled tool cornerpieces, and other small ornaments, densely gilt-rolled turn-ins with dogtooth border, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt (each volume very expertly rejointed). Faint contemporaneous owner's signature (of Richard Bayne?). Cross III, 316-17; Rothschild 850. Very tip of corners worn, a bit of rubbing along edges, text a shade less than bright (isolated gathering with a little darker overall toning), but a very pleasing set, the decorative bindings with no serious condition issues, and the text fresh and smooth. This is a tastefully bound copy of Fielding's 18th century classic and a landmark publication, here complete in the first issue of its first edition.

As Cross says, "No one before Fielding had ever written a novel comparable with his in its reliance upon contemporary facts of human nature, and this brilliant and innovative narrative met with such immediate commercial success that the first printing [of 1749] was sold out before its printing could be finished, and at least four more editions were published in the same year as the first." The work is divided into 18 books, each preceded by an introductory essay (wherein can be found some of Fielding's best prose) on some theme more or less connected with the story, in the manner subsequently adopted by Thackeray and George Eliot. The plot begins with the finding and raising of Tom by Squire Allworthy and his sister Bridget and then follows Tom's adventures, many amorous, after his banishment from the Allworthy house prompted by bad behavior. In the comic ending, mysteries are revealed and relationships set aright. Day says this was the first avowed novel in English (Fielding's precursor, Defoe, claimed his stories were true and Richardson said that his were akin to sermons), and a work that some still call the greatest novel in English because of its attention to characters set against the backdrop of society.

Our first issue set has the errata uncorrected in the first five volumes, and volume VI is also in the first state because leaf [B5] is unsigned. The title to volume V is of the earliest setting, with the motto reading "Mores Hominum Multorum." Edition: FIRST EDITION, First State, with all points noted by Cross and R $10,800.00 THE HISTORY OF TOM JONES, A FOUNDLING Fielding, Henry London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. Six volumes. lxii,[2(errata)],214; [2],324; [2],370,[blank]; [2],312; [2],294; [2],304pp. 12mo. Early 20th century speckled calf, spines gilt extra, gilt labels, a.e.g. Joints a trifle rubbed, but sound, bookplate tipped in first volume, small marginal adhesion flaw to III:G12 and natural paper flaw affecting a couple letters to III:H6; small marginal spot to three leaves in vol. VI, otherwise a very good, or better, set.

First edition of Fielding's masterpiece, and one of the key 18th century novels. The first edition consisted of 2000 copies, and these were virtually all spoken for prior to the formal day of publication. The copies of the first edition are distinguished, as here, by the presence of the page of errata following the table of contents in the first volume. The errata were corrected and the page taken over by the enlargement of the contents in the unmarked second edition of 1500 copies, which was ordered after the first edition was exhausted. Both editions were in circulation on the formal publication day of 28 February. This set exhibits the usual cancels and B5 in volume VI is unsigned. CROSS III:317. ROTHSCHILD 850-1. GROLIER ENGLISH HUNDRED 48. ESTC T1947. THE HISTORY OF TOM JONES, A FOUNDLING Fielding, Henry London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. Six volumes.

lxii,[2(errata)],214,[blank]; [2],324; [2],370,[blank]; [2],312; [2],294; [2],304pp. 12mo. Contemporary calf, neatly rebacked to style, raised bands, gilt labels. Engraved armorial bookplate in each volume ("E Cura Quies" signed AB), offset to margins of prelims and endleaves from binding, small red ink smudge on title of volume 6, otherwise a very good set. First edition of Fielding's masterpiece, and one of the key 18th century novels. The first edition consisted of 2000 copies, and these were virtually all spoken for prior to the formal day of publication. The copies of the first edition are distinguished, as here, by the presence of the page of errata following the table of contents in the first volume. The errata were corrected and the page taken over by the enlargement of the contents in the unmarked second edition of 1500 copies, which was ordered after the first edition was exhausted.

Both editions were in circulation on the formal publication day of 28 February. This set exhibits the usual cancels as noted in Rothschild, and B5 in volume VI is unsigned. CROSS III:317. ROTHSCHILD 850-1. GROLIER ENGLISH HUNDRED 48. NCBEL II:930. ESTC T1947. The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling. Fielding, Henry London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. First edition, first issue. One of a first printing run of only 2,000 copies with errata leaf in Volume I, the errata uncorrected, and all cancels and final blanks, K12 in Volume I and R12 in Volume III (Rothschild 850). Finely bound in full crushed morocco by Bayntun, with red and black morocco spine labels lettered in gilt, raised bands, blind-stamped inner dentelles. A very nice set of first editions, finely bound by Bayntun.

"The book is generally regarded as Fieldings greatest, and as one of the first and most influential of English novels" (Drabble, 988). "Such was the demand that all 2,500 copies in print had already been sold by the date announced for its 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). History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, The FIELDING, Henry London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. The True First Edition of Henry Fielding's Tom Jones Bound by The Guild of Women Binders FIELDING, Henry. The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. In Six Volumes. London: Printed for A. Millar, 1749. First edition, first issue, with the errata leaf (c8 recto) in Volume I and with the errata uncorrected.

Six twelvemo volumes (6 3/16 x 3 13/16 inches; 158 x 96 mm.). lxii, [1, errata], [1, blank], 214; [2], 324; [2], 370; [2], 312; [2], 294; [2], 304 pp. Bound without the final blanks in Volume I (K12), and Volume III (R12). With all of the cancels called for by Rothschild: B9 and B10 in Volume I; B4, B5, and N12 in Volume II; H8, H9, H10, M3, and Q11 in Volume III; and N8 in Volume V. Decorative woodcut tail-pieces. Bound ca. 1900 by The Guild of Women Binders (stamp-signed on lower front turn-ins in full brown crushed levant morocco.

Covers double-ruled in blind, spines with five raised bands, lettered in gilt in compartments, turn-ins ruled in blind, marbled end-papers, all edges gilt. With the maroon morocco armorial book-plate of Fleming Crooks on each paste-down. Front joint of volume one expertly and almost invisibly repaired. Volume I, F6 & F7 (pp.107-110), neatly repaired in lower gutter and margins; Volume II, E8 (pp. 87/88) with a small marginal 'tape' repair, just touching a few letters on recto; Volume III, K3 (pp. 185/186) with a very small marginal tear; Volume IV, G5 (pp. 129/130) with a tiny marginal tear. Some mainly marginal and neatly repaired worm tracks affecting blank margins and a few letters on I 10 through O 12 (pp. 187 through end); Volume VI with a small neat repair to the blank lower corner of C 10 (pp. 35/36). The majority of the errata in volume one has been corrected in a neat contemporary hand.

Despite the aforementioned minor flaws, this is a very nice copy of the real first edition in a very understated binding by the Guild of Women Binders. "One of the three most perfect plots ever penned" (Coleridge). For the story of the four editions published in 1749, see Cross II, pp. 120-125: "At first sight the second edition in six volumes differs from the first only in the absence of errata… Close inspection, however, reveals the story of what happened. The table of contents is re-spaced so as to extend into the page formerly given to the errata; the first volume has a new tailpiece; the title-page of the fifth volume ends in a misprint; and most, though not all, of the slips made by the author and compositor have been corrected, including, with two exceptions, those contained in the errata." Cross concludes that the type was reset for the entire novel after the publication of the present edition, and that the next edition, sometimes called the "first edition, second issue," is in fact a second edition.

The Guild of Women Binders, established by bookseller Frank Karslake, marketed bindings from 1898-1904. Cross III, pp. 316-317. Grolier, 100 English, 48. Rothschild 850-851. Sterling 360. The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling Fielding, Henry London: A. Millar. 2nd Edition. Hardcover. Fine. Second edition (published in the same year as the first, with corrections) of Fielding's masterpiece. Besides being an extremely prolific writer, Henry Fielding was a successful magistrate, founder of the Metropolitan Police, and pioneer of the comic novel. 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." 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). London: A. Millar, 1749. 12mo, contemporary full calf rebacked. 6 vols. Only very minor occasional foxing. A very clean, handsome set. The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Fielding Henry London: A. Millar, 1749. Second Edition. Hardcover (Quarter Leather). Very Good Condition. 6 volumes in modern calf backed marbled boards with added endpapers - attractively rebound.

The Second Edition, the same year as the first (the first was oversubscribed - what publishers now refer to as second printing before publication) with the errors corrected. Scattered foxing, a few minor stains, the title for volume 3 a little grubby and trimmed - a clean, attractive set overall. Along with Tristram Shandy, Humphrey Clinker and Pamela, a foundation of the English novel (and only the epistolary novel Pamela, roundly mocked by Fielding with his Shamela in 1741, was published first). Size: Octavo (8vo). Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: 1-2 kilos. Category: Literature & Literary; Antiquarian & Rare. Inventory No: 044429. The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling. Henry Fielding - Edinburgh- James Baillie, 1806 Book. GOOD ONLY. Hardcover. Apocket sized collection comprising Henry Fielding's comic novel Tom Jones. Forming part of Baillie's Elegant Pocket Editions of Selected Novels, with a life of the author. Henry Fielding was an English novelist and dramatist known for his satirical humour.

He wrote numerous satirical plays and novels including a parody ofSamuel Richardson's novel Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded, entitled Shamela. Tom Jonesis considered Fielding's greatest work and is among the earliest English prose works describable as a novel. The text is part Bildungsroman and part Picaresque as it follows the hero TomJones against a background of biting social commentary. It features elements that were original for the time including that ofsexual promiscuity. Complete in four volumes. Condition: Uniformly bound in half calf bindings. Externally, worn. Bumped. Boards heavily rubbed with some loss. Hinges tender but still reasonably firm. Marks to pastedown of Volume IV. Internally, generally firmly bound though strained in places. Pages foxed throughout. Ink inscription in Volume three to rear page. Overall: GOOD ONLY. The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling Fielding, Henry London: James Cochrane and Co., 1831 Two volumes. Illustrated by George Cruikshank. First edition thus [first edition 1749].

Finely bound in three-quarter tan calf and tan cloth by Bayntun, with five raised bands to the spine, contrasting black and green title labels to the spine, lettered and decorated in gilt, top edge gilt, pale beige marbled endpapers. Near fine, with some light soiling to the boards, otherwise fresh bindings, light toning and faint spotting to the illustrated plates, Vol. I with a faded ownership inscription to the title page, otherwise bright and clean pages. A fresh set in a fine binding. First published in 1749, Tom Jones is widely considered both one of the best comic novels in English history and Fielding's masterpiece. Specifically, it tells the story of Tom Jones, an orphan born out of wedlock who is subsequently raised by the respectable Squire Allworthy. Notably, Tom's sexual promiscuity and strident behavior caused scandal among the novel's readers, but, nonetheless, Tom Jones quickly became an acclaimed novel, largely due to the effectiveness with which Fielding captured mid-18th century English society.. Illus. by Cruikshank, George. Hard Cover. Near Fine. The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling FIELDING, HENRY London: C.

Cooke, n.d. [probably 1792]. In “Cooke’s Edition of British Select Novels,” in four volumes; the first volume is bound with the engraved title page and dedication leaf of the series. An attractive (and it would not be hyperbolic to note and admire it for its antique charm) set bound in contemporary red quarter-morocco and paper covered boards, with gilt spine lettering, rules and gilt thistle devices; title and volume numbers on green morocco labels; in fine condition. [With] Fielding’s Amelia [probably 1793], three volumes, issued by the same publisher and in the same series format, in fine condition, bound identically with Tom Jones. Each novel is illustrated with engravings apparently executed for this edition. HISTORY OF TOM JONES, A FOUNDLING FIELDING, HENRY 1831. Very Good. FIELDING, HENRY. THE HISTORY OF TOM JONES, A FOUNDLING. With a Memoir of the Author by Thomas Roscoe, Esq. Illustrations by George Cruikshank. In Two Volumes. London: James Cochrane and Co., 1831.

Volumes V and VI of The Novelist's Library, edited by Thomas Roscoe. Illustrated with eight engravings by Cruikshank. Two, small octavo volumes: xxiii,456 pp.; [viii],448 pp. Original publisher's tan cloth binding, printed to look like moire silk, with printed paper spine labels. Bindings have darkened at spines, with slight edgewear to labels, and show general light soiling. Top-edge of bookblosck is dust-soiled. Occasional foxing and thumbing within, but mostly clean and very good overall. Housed in a modern cloth box. (CBEL II, p. 517). The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (TV Mini-Series 1997) - IMDb The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling 5h 14min A new adaptation of the classic novel by Henry Fielding of the life, loves and adventures of the charming rascal Tom Jones. A foundling child born of a serving wench but allowed to grow up ...

See full summary » Stars: a list of 34 titles created 07 Aug 2011 a list of 39 titles created 15 Oct 2011 a list of 42 titles created 24 Nov 2011 a list of 41 titles created 23 Feb 2013 a list of 34 titles created 23 Nov 2013 Title: The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (1997– ) 7.8/10 Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. 4 wins & 5 nominations. See more awards » Photos A young, compassionate man struggles to save his family and friends from the abusive exploitation of his cold-hearted, grasping uncle. Director: Stephen Whittaker The affair between King Edward VIII and American divorcée Wallis Simpson, and a contemporary romance between a married woman and a Russian security guard.

Director: Madonna Agatha Christie's Marple (TV Series 2004) Crime | Drama | Mystery An elderly spinster living in the village of St Mary Mead helps her friends and relatives solve mysterious murders. Stars: Geraldine McEwan, Julia McKenzie, Stephen Churchett An adaptation of Flora Thompson's autobiographical novel "Lark Rise To Candleford", set in 19 century Oxfordshire, in which a young girl moves to the local market town to begin an apprenticeship as a postmistress. Stars: Olivia Hallinan, Sarah Lancashire, Julia Sawalha Bleak House (TV Mini-Series 2005) Drama A suspenseful tale about the injustices of the 19th Century English legal system. Stars: Anna Maxwell Martin, Denis Lawson, Carey Mulligan Rebel Heart (TV Mini-Series 2001) Drama The move towards independence in Ireland, from the 1916 Easter Rising until the 1922 civil war is seen through the eyes of a naive idealistic young man Stars: James D'Arcy, Frank Laverty, Vincent Regan The romantic and chivalrous adventures of adopted bastard Tom Jones in 18th century England.

Director: Tony Richardson Lorna Doone (TV Movie 2000) Drama | Romance Against a backdrop of political and religious upheaval, a farmer falls in love with the "queen" of the notorious Doone clan --a family that he has sworn vengeance on. Director: Mike Barker Edit Storyline A new adaptation of the classic novel by Henry Fielding of the life, loves and adventures of the charming rascal Tom Jones. A foundling child born of a serving wench but allowed to grow up in the privileged surroundings of Squire Allworthy's household. This position allows him to grow up with, make the acquaintance of and eventually fall in love with the beautiful daughter of his wealthy neighbour, Sophia Western. However, the path to true love rarely runs smooth and family pressure, the difference in their parentage and 18th century social custom prevent the young lovers from being together. Eventually both are forced out of their gentile, protected surroundings and into the great wide world to see what adventures real life might bring... Written by Mark Smith <msmith@osi.co.uk> The Jane Austen Film Club: The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling The Jane Austen Film Club Oh, to be in England...

Tuesday, June 21, 2011 The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling with Samantha Morton and Max Beesley The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling , an adaptation of the 18th century comic novel by Henry Fielding was first brought to my attention in a promo spot at the beginning of my Pride and Prejudice 1995 VHS tapes (my god, am I ever old!). There was an adorable little interview with some of the cast, including Benjamin Whitrow (Mr. Bennet from P&P and Squire Allworthy from Tom Jones). He was talking so affectionately about this miniseries that I made sure I taped it when it aired on TV in 1997. Max Beesley as Tom Jones Narrated by John Sessions playing Henry Fielding himself, the running gag is that he is very long winded and keeps getting cut off in hilarious ways. This film is part farce and part social commentary with some characters (and names) that likely inspired Dickens.

Max Beesley is the titular Tom Jones, a foundling bastard, left in the bed of the appropriately named Squire Allworthy, a man with the highest morals and high hopes for his adopted son Tom. Of course Tom has to arrive at that morality in a really roundabout way, after tasting all the delights that the world has to offer and after being dragged to the lowest point a human can reach, all the while entertaining us with his adventures. Brian Blessed as Squire Western from Tom Jones A few notable supporting players (of which there are so many I can't do them all justice) are Brian Blessed as the boorish blustering Squire Western, who is a delight to watch and so over the top! Samantha Morton is also wonderful as Tom's love interest and neighbour Sophia Western. She is a super combination of tender female and explosively tempered daughter of the blustery Squire. Her ladies maid Honour is played brilliantly by Kathy Burke, comedienne extraordinaire who mugs for the camera delightfully. James D'Arcy as Mr. Blifil in Tom Jones James D'Arcy does an awesome job of the hateful Mr.

Blifil, although you do feel for him when you see the unusual relationship he has with his mother. And the characters of Square, Thwackum, Partridge, Lady Bellaston and Lord Fellamar are given lots of good screen time which is great. This is a miniseries which will not fail to disappoint. It is however a bit bawdy, which is unsurprising considering that the novel had quite a reputation for being "low" entertainment, including sexual promiscuity and prostitution. As someone interested in genealogy, I can certainly support the fact that there was an awful lot of pre-marital hay rolling in the 1700s and bastard children abounded! In any case, you may want to take this into consideration especially if there are young children around. The subject is treated with a light touch however, almost always for comic effect. This miniseries is fun and sweet and crazy all at the same time. It will also transport you to the year 1749 with gorgeous locations and costumes which will pull you right in. The musical score is so wonderful (by the talented Jim Parker) that my husband requested the CD for his birthday one year and just about wore it out.

I think this miniseries is best savoured in six one hour chunks, which is how my original VHS tapes were packaged. Plus you will want to make it last because it's so wonderful! *********************************************************************************** P.S. Yes, I did take my moniker from this film. I mashed the names of two characters, Jenny Jones (the purported mother of Tom) and Bridget Allworthy (the Squire's sister). Kudos to Professor Miriam RF who was the only one to guess the origin of my name! P.P.S. I wish I could say that I enjoyed the book, as I usually love to read the novels of my fave adaptations, but alas I found this one a bit too wordy for my taste. At least I understand the joke about Henry Fielding the narrator blathering on and getting cut off all the time. Perhaps I am not the only one! Bless the film makers for finding the wonderful story amongst all those words! *********************************************************************************** "It is not enough that your designs, nay, that your actions, are intrinsically good; you must take care they shall appear so." -Henry Fielding Posted by Jenny Allworthy at 10:14 PM

Question: Which 18th Century novelist wrote ‘The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling’?
Answer: Henry Fielding