Henry Fielding was an English novelist and dramatist known for his rich earthy humour and satirical prowess, and as the author of the popular novel Tom Jones. He was sincerely designed to promote the cause of virtue, and to expose some of the most glaring evils, as well public as private, which then infested the country. The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling (often known simply as Tom Jones) is a comic novel, first published on 28 February 1749. It is arguably one of the first prose works describable as a novel, and it"s popularity has continued through over two centuries.