Item #2323008 The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling (The Heritage Press). Henry Fielding, Louis Kronenberger, introduction.

The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling (The Heritage Press)

New York: The Heritage Press, 1952. Cleland, T.M. Hard Cover. Very Good / No Jacket. Item #2323008

Lacks Sandglass. A very good copy in a very good publisher slipcase. Some light stains and smudges on slipcase panels, slipcase edges rubbed.

xvi, 782 pp. Introduction by Louis Kronenberger. Illustrated by T. M. Cleland. Tom Jones is a foundling discovered on the property of a very kind, wealthy landowner, Squire Allworthy, in Somerset in England's West Country. Tom grows into a vigorous and lusty, yet honest and kind-hearted, youth. He develops affection for his neighbour's daughter, Sophia Western. On one hand, their love reflects the romantic comedy genre that was popular in 18th-century Britain. However, 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 also acted as the foundation for criticism of the book's "lowness."

Price: $10.00