Joseph Andrews, or The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of his Friend Mr. Abraham Adams, tells of a good-natured footman's adventures on the road home from London with his friend and mentor, the absent-minded parson Abraham Adams. As a young man, Joseph is employed by a young widow Lady Bobby as her footman. Joseph escorts Lady Bobby to London where he refuses her attempts at seduction because of his love for poor Fanny Goodwill, so Lady Bobby dismisses him from both his job and his lodgings. Joseph sets out from London to go back home and to his beloved Fanny, but gets mugged. On his way Joseph meets their local parson and mentor Abraham Adams and the two continue the journey together with many trials and tribulations ahead.

Henry Fielding (1707-1754) was an English novelist and dramatist known for his rich, earthy humour and satirical prowess. Additionally, he holds a significant place in the history of law enforcement, having used his authority as a magistrate to found (with his half-brother John) what some have called London's first police force, the Bow Street Runners.