Henry Fielding was a pioneer of the novel in English who was instrumental in helping to evolve its form at a crucial moment in its deliverance into 18th century anglophonic readership. While he is remembered to posterity primarily for his stately adventure, The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling, published late in his life (alas, he died at 47), aficionados will appreciate an earlier effort, Joseph Andrews, and a few less-well know satircal works.  Remember when all novels used to be named for their protagonists? (Sigh). Fielding&#8217;s sister, Sarah, was also a novelist. How&#8217;s that for pioneering?
A lawyer by trade, Fielding died in Lisbon, Portugal.