History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great cover art

History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great

History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great

Written by: Henry Fielding
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 Often regarded as Fieldings first novel, History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great was likely penned before his more well-known works like Shamela and Joseph Andrews. This sharp satire targets Robert Walpole, drawing an intriguing parallel between the notorious gang leader and highwayman Jonathan Wild. Fielding cleverly likens the Whig party in Parliament to a band of thieves led by Walpole, whose relentless ambition to be seen as a Great Man—a title he often claimed—ultimately leads to his ironic downfall being hanged. (Summary by Wikipedia)Copyright Nature and Animals
Episodes
  • 031 - Book 3 Chapter 4 A Young Hero Makes his First Appearance

    031 - Book 3 Chapter 4 A Young Hero Makes his First Appearance
    Feb 9 2026
    Often regarded as Fieldings first novel, History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great was likely penned before his more well-known works like Shamela and Joseph Andrews. This sharp satire targets Robert Walpole, drawing an intriguing parallel between the notorious gang leader and highwayman Jonathan Wild. Fielding cleverly likens the Whig party in Parliament to a band of thieves led by Walpole, whose relentless ambition to be seen as a Great Man—a title he often claimed—ultimately leads to his ironic downfall being hanged. (Summary by Wikipedia)
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    8 mins
  • 030 - Book 3 Chapter 3 The Road to Greatness

    030 - Book 3 Chapter 3 The Road to Greatness
    Feb 8 2026
    Often regarded as Fieldings first novel, History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great was likely penned before his more well-known works like Shamela and Joseph Andrews. This sharp satire targets Robert Walpole, drawing an intriguing parallel between the notorious gang leader and highwayman Jonathan Wild. Fielding cleverly likens the Whig party in Parliament to a band of thieves led by Walpole, whose relentless ambition to be seen as a Great Man—a title he often claimed—ultimately leads to his ironic downfall being hanged. (Summary by Wikipedia)
    Show More Show Less
    9 mins
  • 029 - Book 3 Chapter 2 A Soliloquy of Heartfree

    029 - Book 3 Chapter 2 A Soliloquy of Heartfree
    Feb 7 2026
    Often regarded as Fieldings first novel, History of the Life of the Late Mr. Jonathan Wild the Great was likely penned before his more well-known works like Shamela and Joseph Andrews. This sharp satire targets Robert Walpole, drawing an intriguing parallel between the notorious gang leader and highwayman Jonathan Wild. Fielding cleverly likens the Whig party in Parliament to a band of thieves led by Walpole, whose relentless ambition to be seen as a Great Man—a title he often claimed—ultimately leads to his ironic downfall being hanged. (Summary by Wikipedia)
    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
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