Literary Birthday – 22 April – Henry Fielding

Henry Fielding was born on 22 April 1707 and died on 8 October 1754.

Henry Fielding Quotes

1. A newspaper consists of just the same number of words, whether there be any news in it or not.
2. An author ought to consider himself, not as a gentleman who gives a private or eleemosynary treat, but rather as one who keeps a public ordinary, at which all persons are welcome for their money.
3. Adversity is the trial of principle. Without it a man hardly knows whether he is honest or not.
4. We must eat to live, and not live to eat.
5. Commend a fool for his wit, or a rogue for his honesty and he will receive you into his favour.
6. There are a set of religious, or rather moral writers, who teach that virtue is the certain road to happiness, and vice to misery, in this world. A very wholesome and comfortable doctrine, and to which we have but one objection, namely, that it is not true.
7. When children are doing nothing, they are doing mischief.
8. Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.

Henry Fielding was an English novelist and dramatist known for his humour and satirical prowess. He was also a judge. Fielding is considered, with Samuel Richardson, a founder of the English novel. He is best known for writing Joseph Andrews, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, Miscellanies, and Amelia. According to Wikipedia, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling ‘triumphs as a presentation of English life and character in the mid-18th century. Every social type is represented and through them every shade of moral behaviour. Fielding’s varied style tempers the basic seriousness of the novel and his authorial comment before each chapter adds a dimension to a conventional, straightforward narrative.’ He also co-founded, using his influence as a magistrate, what some have called London’s first police force, the Bow Street Runners. His younger sister, Sarah, was also a successful writer.

Source for image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Henry_Fielding.png

by Amanda Patterson

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