W. Somerset Maugham's Ten Novels and Their Authors
The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
Henry Fielding
5 mins to start
22 hrs to read
Book I
Containing as much of the birth of the foundling as is necessary or proper to acquaint the reader with in the beginning of this history.
I - The introduction to the work, or bill of fare to the feast.
3 mins
II - A short description of Squire Allworthy, and a fuller account of Miss Bridget Allworthy, his sister.
2 mins
III - An odd accident which befell Mr. Allworthy at his return home. The decent behaviour of Mrs. Deborah Wilkins, with some proper animadversions on bastards.
5 mins
IV - The reader’s neck brought into danger by a description; his escape; and the great condescension of Miss Bridget Allworthy.
4 mins
V - Containing a few common matters, with a very uncommon observation upon them.
2 mins
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.
5 mins
VII - Containing such grave matter, that the reader cannot laugh once through the whole chapter, unless peradventure he should laugh at the author.
6 mins
VIII - A dialogue between Mesdames Bridget and Deborah; containing more amusement, but less instruction, than the former.
3 mins
IX - Containing matters which will surprise the reader.
3 mins
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.
5 mins
XI - Containing many rules, and some examples, concerning falling in love: descriptions of beauty, and other more prudential inducements to matrimony.
6 mins
XII - Containing what the reader may, perhaps, expect to find in it.
4 mins
XIII - Which concludes the first book; with an instance of ingratitude, which, we hope, will appear unnatural.
4 mins
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I
The introduction to the work, or bill of fare to the feast.
3 mins to read
869 words
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