The history of Tom Jone : a founding / Henry Fielding

BOOK I -- I. The introduction to the work, or bill of fare to the feast II. A short description of Squire Allworthy, and a fuller account of Miss Bridget Allworthy, his sister -- III. An odd accident which befel Mr. Allworthy at his return home. The decent behaviour of Mrs. Deborah Wilkins, with some proper animadversions on bastards -- IV. The reader's neck brought into danger by a description; his escape; and the great condescension of Miss Bridget Allworthy -- V. Containing a few common matters, with a very uncommon observation upon them -- VI. Mrs. Deborah is introduced into the parish with a simile. A short account of Jenny Jones, with the difficulties and discouragements which may attend young women in the pursuit of learning -- VII. Containing such grave matter, that the reader cannot laugh once through the whole chapter, unless peradventure he should laugh at the author -- VIII. A dialogue between Mesdames Bridget and Deborah; containing more amusement, but less instruction, than the former -- IX. Containing matters which will surprize the reader -- X. The hospitality of Allworthy; with a short sketch of the characters of two brothers, a doctor and a captain, who were entertained by that gentleman.....

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling is a comic novel that blends romance, realism, picaresque, and social commentary. It was published in 1749 and is set in England in 1745 during the Jacobite rebellion. The novel tells the story of Tom Jones, an orphan who travels throughout the South of England having several adventures in love, friendship, and folly while meeting an array of vivid and memorably flawed characters. The novel tackles the subjects of class, marriage for love vs. marriage for money, greed, jealousy, revenge, forgiveness, reconciliation and the search for wisdom.