The expansive adventures of a high-spirited foundling take him across the English countryside as he seeks his true identity and the hand of his beloved Sophia. Tom’s journey is filled with colorful characters, narrow escapes, and a series of moral blunders that test his innate goodness. Fielding’s "comic epic in prose" is celebrated for its intricate plot, vibrant social observation, and warm humanity. It remains one of the greatest achievements of the early English novel.