The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews

One of the earliest novels written in English is “The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and His Friend, Mr. Abraham Adams” by Henry Fielding. It is referred to as a “comic epic poem in prose” and was published in 1742. The narrative centers on the travels of amiable footman Joseph Andrews and his tutor, the forgetful priest Abraham Adams, on their way back from London. The book is full of classical knowledge, social commentary, and philosophical asides.