Tom Jones Author:Henry Fielding (excerpt) — The richly textured pattern of Tom Jones is one of the marvels of literature; and in itsparody and pathos, its wit and its constant surprise, the reader views the pure joy of life itself. Coleridge wrote of this work,"Upon my word, I think the Oedipus Tyrannus, the Alchemist, and Tom Jones, the three most perfect plots ever planned."... more » Frank Kermode comments there are "few works of art so perfectly made, so perfectly of their period, yet possessing the energy and high spirits and good humor to transcend it."