Joseph Andrews and Shamela provides in one volume two of Henry Fielding's groundbreaking works of social and literary satire, The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams (originally published in 1742) and An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews (originally published pseudonymously in 1741), written in direct response to Samuel Richardson's 1740 publishing sensation Pamela . Both works are historically significant examples of the development of the modern English novel, but also are revealing and incisive commentaries on the mores, politics, religion, social conditions, and customs of 18th century England. Henry Fielding (1707-1754) was an English novelist, playwright, and magistrate who is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important authors of the 18th century. He was born in Sharpham Park, Somerset, and educated at Eton College and Leiden University. Fielding is best known for his novels, particularly Tom Jones (1749), which is often considered his masterpiece. He wrote in a variety of genres, including comedy, satire, and tragedy, and his works often reflected his belief in the importance of social reform. He was also an advocate of legal reform, and his novel Joseph Andrews (1742) was a pioneering work in the development of the picaresque novel. In addition to his novels, Fielding also wrote several plays, including the immensely popular The Tragedy of Tragedies; or, The Life and Death of Tom Thumb the Great (1730). He also served briefly as a justice of the peace in London and wrote several articles on the subject of legal reform. Fielding's works often focused on the theme of justice, and his writings have been highly influential in the development of the novel as an art form. His works are noted for their realism, wit, and thematic complexity, and he is often cited as one of the earliest pioneers of the modern novel. Henry Fielding was a major figure in the development of the English novel, and his works remain some of the most popular and celebrated in the English literary canon.