Publisher's Synopsis
The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams is a novel written by Henry Fielding. It was first published in 1742 and is considered to be one of the first English novels. The book tells the story of Joseph Andrews, a young footman who is dismissed from his job after resisting the advances of his employer's wife. Joseph sets out on a journey to return home to his sweetheart, Fanny, and encounters a variety of characters along the way. One of these characters is Mr. Abraham Adams, a kind and learned clergyman who becomes Joseph's friend and traveling companion. Together, they face a series of challenges and adventures, including robbery and kidnapping. The novel is a satire of the popular novel of the time, Pamela, which tells the story of a virtuous servant girl who resists the advances of her employer. Fielding uses the novel to criticize the hypocrisy and corruption of English society in the 18th century. He also explores themes of class, gender, and morality. The book is written in a humorous and satirical style, with Fielding frequently breaking the fourth wall to address the reader directly. Overall, The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams is an important work in the history of English literature and a classic example of the picaresque novel.Mr. Joseph Andrews, the Hero of our ensuing History, was esteemed to be the only Son of Gaffar and Gammer Andrews, and Brother to the illustrious Pamela, whose Virtue is at present so famous. As to his Ancestors, we have searched with great Diligence, but little Success: being unable to trace them farther than his Great Grandfather, who, as an elderly Person in the Parish remembers to have heard his Father say, was an excellent Cudgel-player.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
