Tom Jones

Henry Fielding (1707-1754) started his career as a playwright until his outspoken satirical plays so annoyed Walpole's government that a new Licensing Act was introduced to drive him from the stage. He turned to writing various 'comic epics in prose', including Joseph Andrews and Shamela. A master innovator, he is credited with creating the first modern novels in English. He was also a magistrate and co-founder of the Bow Street Runners, London's first professional police force.