Life Summary: Born in Sharpon England, he was educated at Eton. He moved to London to pursue his education, but was forced to stop for lack of funding. He eventually became a barrister, a government official very critical of Sir Robert Walpole. Fielding lost most of his children young, and organized London's first police force, the Bow Street Runners. He died in Portugal after suffering from asthma and gout.
Major Works: Tom Jones, The Tragedy of Tragedies, Joseph Andrews
Place in Life/Social Context: As a writer and part of the judicial system, Fielding had access to the political scene of England. He was able to view both the aristocratic and lower class aspects of living from behind the bench.
18th Century Lit Importance: Fielding satires were well-known in England, possibly even prompting The Licensing Act of 1737. His commentary on the political discussion of the time inspired other writers to pursue the new form of the novel.