In this insightful book, Jane Carroll Byrd explores the evolution of the novel as a literary form, and the role that Henry Fielding played in its development. Byrd argues that Fielding's novels, particularly Tom Jones, were instrumental in breaking down the barriers between drama and fiction, paving the way for the novel to become the dominant literary form of the 18th century. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.