Henry Fielding

Henry Fielding (1707–1754) was an English novelist, playwright, and judge renowned for his use of humour and satire, particularly in novels like *Joseph Andrews* (1742) and *Tom Jones* (1749), which helped establish the foundations of the English novel alongside Samuel Richardson.[1][2] He began as a successful playwright with satirical comedies such as *Tom Thumb* (1730), later became a magistrate in Westminster, and founded the Bow Street Runners, an early police force.[3][4] Despite health issues, he continued writing until his death in Lisbon.[1]