The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling cover art

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

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About this listen

A foundling of mysterious parentage, Tom Jones is brought up by the benevolent and wealthy Squire Allworthy as his own son. Tom falls in love with the beautiful and unattainable Sophia Western, a neighbor’s daughter, whose marriage has already been arranged. When Tom’s sexual misadventures around the countryside get him banished, he sets out to make his fortune and find his true identity.

Against the vivid background of 18th-century London, Tom encounters passion, corruption, danger, and intrigue before finally claiming his fortune, legitimacy, and true love. Fielding’s bawdy, colorful, high-spirited novel paints human vices and virtues with unprecedented honesty and good humor, making Tom Jones as fresh and entertaining today as it was 200 years ago.

Public Domain (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literary History & Criticism Literature & Fiction Witty Comedy

Critic reviews

“Tom Jones…has been admired by many readers as the most meticulously crafted book of its type. With neoclassic objectivity, humor, and fine psychological delicacy, Fielding dissects the motives of his characters to reveal universal truths about human nature.” ( Masterpieces of World Literature)
“Two hundred years have not dimmed Fielding’s realism. His humor is closer to our own than that of any writer before the present century." (Kingsley Amis)
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If you could sum up The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling in three words, what would they be?

I had read this before & had watched the book in film form. Thanks to such a great reading, I found new pleasure and didn't spend my time becoming exasperated by Tom. Indeed, he had found a small place in my heart. As in another review, I suggest that you choose your reader, carefully.

Very entertaining!

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An exceptional talent brings Fielding’s lively and bewitching story to vivid life. Well done Blackstone audio. Absolutely superb.

Stunning performance of one of England’s great novels

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What did you like most about The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling?

I honestly was frightened by the length, but this book is different and entertaining.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling?

Tom selling his horse to give the money to Black George.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The introduction of Sophia was truly beautiful.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Best Book Ever

Best

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What did you like best about The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling? What did you like least?

Not a lot. go's on some what!

What was most disappointing about Henry Fielding’s story?

It more about the author than Tom Jones,to much "latin"

Would you listen to another book narrated by Kenneth Danzinger?

yes

Was The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling worth the listening time?

no

more about the author than Tom Jones.,

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I laughed more often at this wonderful story first published in 1749 than at most modern comedy books.
However this isn't just an amusing story, but a moral one and an intriguing view of how people of all classes lived then. I learned a lot without realising I was doing so.
The whole will stay with me, but I intend to listen to it again quite soon as once the story gets going, it never lags despite the earlier English and the sheer size of the work.
Really good narrator. I loved his Squire Weston and Partridge particularly. I wish there was more of his work to be acquired.
I think this is the best version available and am glad I chose it after reading other reviews.
If you're doubtful, give it a try. It repays the effort in spades.

Brilliant!

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