Henry Fielding was an English novelist and playwright born in 1707. He is best known for his comic novel Tom Jones, published in 1749, which is considered one of the first modern novels. Fielding's works often satirized the social issues of his time, blending humor with serious commentary. In addition to his literary contributions, Fielding was also a magistrate and played a significant role in the establishment of the Bow Street Runners, one of the first professional police forces in London. He passed away in 1754, leaving a lasting impact on English literature and law enforcement.