Henry Fielding's Joseph Andrews is often called the first true English novel, but don't let that scare you off. It's one of the funniest books from the 1700s you'll ever read.

The Story

The plot kicks off when Joseph, a young footman, loses his job because he won't give in to the romantic demands of his employer, the wealthy and predatory Lady Booby. Thrown out with nothing, he decides to walk back to his hometown and his true love, the sweet Fanny Goodwill. His journey is a magnet for trouble. He's robbed and left for dead, meets his long-lost friend and mentor Parson Adams (a wonderfully naive and good-hearted man), and together they face a parade of greedy, foolish, and hypocritical characters who make their trip a constant struggle.

Why You Should Read It

Fielding's genius is in the characters. Parson Adams, with his absent-mindedness and sudden bursts of fist-fighting in defense of the innocent, is an absolute joy. The book is a sharp, witty attack on the social pretensions of Fielding's day, but it never feels mean-spirited. Instead, it champions simple goodness and integrity, showing that a poor footman can have more honor than a lord. The humor is broad, physical, and surprisingly modern in its pacing.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves classic British humor, fans of satires like Candide, or readers who want to see where the modern novel started. If you enjoy a story where the good guys get beat up a lot but keep their spirits high, you'll love following Joseph and Parson Adams down that bumpy road.