Section 1: Joseph Andrews, Preface and Book 1, Chapters 1 through 12 Summary

"Joseph Andrews with Shamela and Related Writings" by Henry Fielding and edited by Homer Goldberg is a collection of works by Henry Fielding, works that inspired Fielding and works that were written about Fielding's writing. This collection includes copies of two of Fielding's most famed narrative works, as well as several of his essays. Additionally, this collection includes selections from sources that influenced his writing and criticism about his works.

In the Preface to "Joseph Andrews", Henry Fielding defines his terms and distinguishes his novel from romance and burlesque. Though he admits to including some elements of burlesque, he excludes these from the sentiments and characters, finding true comedy in nature and in affectation stemming from vanity or hypocrisy. Defending vice in his novel, Fielding emphasizes the character of...