(April 22nd, 1707 — October 8th, 1754)

Henry Fielding was an English novelist and playwright. Along with Samuel Richardson, he is considered one of the founders of the traditional English novel. Fielding was also a magistrate and used his position to found the Bow Street Runners, London’s first full-time police force.

Fielding was born in Somerset and educated at Eton College. He was lifelong friends with William Pitt the Elder. He was a well-known figure both in literary and legal circles.

Fielding began writing political satires for the theatre. When Richardson wrote Pamela, he responded by writing his first novel: Shamela. Shamela was a direct parody of Pamela.

He wrote many plays, numerous poems, pamphlets, and six novels. His work was primarily satirical, and he is now mostly known for his satirical novel, Tom Jones.

In the 1750s, his health deteriorated rapidly and he died in 1754 in Lisbon, while seeking treatment.