Fielding

A critical biographical study traces the life and career of the eighteenth-century novelist, concentrating on verifying scattered anecdotes, correcting earlier misstatements, and assembling contemporary documents and previous authorities. The author surveys earlier biographies, collates original editions and correspondence, and presents documentary findings such as particulars of a second marriage and children's baptisms, the sum paid for Joseph Andrews, correspondence relating to Tom Jones, and evidence of a significant love affair. The study also rejects the story of the subject's stint as a stroller at Bartholomew Fair, clarifies theatrical associations, and appends supplementary particulars and rectifications discovered after initial publication.