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The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon: Henry Fielding's Personal Account of his Journey to Lisbon
Embark on a Historical Journey with Henry Fielding's 'The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon'Step back in time and experience the fascinating world of the 18th century through the eyes of renowned author Henry Fielding in his personal account, 'The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon.' This captivating memoir is your ticket to a bygone era and an incredible literary adventure that promises both historical insights and entertainment.
Discover the Chronicles of a Literary GreatHenry Fielding, the acclaimed author of 'Tom Jones,' invites you on a voyage like no other. As he sets sail for Lisbon, you'll join him on a journey filled with personal anecdotes, humorous observations, and profound reflections. Fielding's keen wit and storytelling prowess shine through, making this journal a delightful read for both his admirers and newcomers alike.
Through the pages of Fielding's journal, you'll gain a unique perspective on life, society, and travel in the 18th century. His vivid descriptions and sharp commentary offer a rare glimpse into the past.
Experience a Historical Gem'The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon' is more than a mere book; it's a historical gem waiting to be unearthed. Henry Fielding's words provide a vivid and authentic portrayal of his time, allowing you to step into the shoes of a traveler from the 1700s. You'll share his joys and challenges, and you'll witness a world far removed from our own.
Reading this journal is not just a literary experience; it's a journey through history and an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the past.
Why 'The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon' Should Be on Your Reading Time Immerse yourself in the 18th century through the eyes of Henry Fielding, gaining unique insights into a bygone era.Literary Enjoy the masterful storytelling and wit of a celebrated author, making this journal a must-read for literature enthusiasts.Cultural Delve into the historical and cultural context of the 18th century, broadening your knowledge of this transformative period.An Ideal Share the joy of discovering history with friends and family. 'The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon' is a perfect present for those curious about the past.Don't miss your chance to voyage through history with Henry Fielding. Let 'The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon' transport you to a world long gone, filled with adventure, humor, and timeless observations. Secure your copy now and join the ranks of readers who appreciate the beauty of the past.
Discover the Chronicles of a Literary GreatHenry Fielding, the acclaimed author of 'Tom Jones,' invites you on a voyage like no other. As he sets sail for Lisbon, you'll join him on a journey filled with personal anecdotes, humorous observations, and profound reflections. Fielding's keen wit and storytelling prowess shine through, making this journal a delightful read for both his admirers and newcomers alike.
Through the pages of Fielding's journal, you'll gain a unique perspective on life, society, and travel in the 18th century. His vivid descriptions and sharp commentary offer a rare glimpse into the past.
Experience a Historical Gem'The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon' is more than a mere book; it's a historical gem waiting to be unearthed. Henry Fielding's words provide a vivid and authentic portrayal of his time, allowing you to step into the shoes of a traveler from the 1700s. You'll share his joys and challenges, and you'll witness a world far removed from our own.
Reading this journal is not just a literary experience; it's a journey through history and an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the past.
Why 'The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon' Should Be on Your Reading Time Immerse yourself in the 18th century through the eyes of Henry Fielding, gaining unique insights into a bygone era.Literary Enjoy the masterful storytelling and wit of a celebrated author, making this journal a must-read for literature enthusiasts.Cultural Delve into the historical and cultural context of the 18th century, broadening your knowledge of this transformative period.An Ideal Share the joy of discovering history with friends and family. 'The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon' is a perfect present for those curious about the past.Don't miss your chance to voyage through history with Henry Fielding. Let 'The Journal of a Voyage to Lisbon' transport you to a world long gone, filled with adventure, humor, and timeless observations. Secure your copy now and join the ranks of readers who appreciate the beauty of the past.
78 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1755
About the author
Henry Fielding
2,486 books394 followersHenry Fielding (1707 - 1754) was an English dramatist, journalist and novelist. The son of an army lieutenant and a judge's daughter, he was educated at Eton School and the University of Leiden before returning to England where he wrote a series of farces, operas and light comedies.
Fielding formed his own company and was running the Little Theatre, Haymarket, when one of his satirical plays began to upset the government. The passing of the Theatrical Licensing Act in 1737 effectively ended Fielding's career as a playwright.
In 1739, Fielding turned to journalism and became editor of The Champion. He also began writing novels, including: The Adventures of Joseph Andrews (1742) and Jonathan Wild (1743).
Fielding was made a justice of the peace for Westminster and Middlesex in 1748. He campaigned against legal corruption and helped his half-brother, Sir John Fielding, establish the Bow Street Runners.
In 1749, Fielding's novel The History of Tom Jones was published to public acclaim. Critics agree that it is one of the greatest comic novels in the English language. He followed this success with another well received novel, Amelia, in 1751.
Fielding continued as a journalist and his satirical journal, Covent Garden, continued to upset those in power. Throughout his life, Fielding suffered from poor health. By 1752, he could not move without the help of crutches. In an attempt to overcome his health problems, Henry Fielding went to live in Portugal, but this was not successful, and he died in Lisbon in 1754.
Fielding formed his own company and was running the Little Theatre, Haymarket, when one of his satirical plays began to upset the government. The passing of the Theatrical Licensing Act in 1737 effectively ended Fielding's career as a playwright.
In 1739, Fielding turned to journalism and became editor of The Champion. He also began writing novels, including: The Adventures of Joseph Andrews (1742) and Jonathan Wild (1743).
Fielding was made a justice of the peace for Westminster and Middlesex in 1748. He campaigned against legal corruption and helped his half-brother, Sir John Fielding, establish the Bow Street Runners.
In 1749, Fielding's novel The History of Tom Jones was published to public acclaim. Critics agree that it is one of the greatest comic novels in the English language. He followed this success with another well received novel, Amelia, in 1751.
Fielding continued as a journalist and his satirical journal, Covent Garden, continued to upset those in power. Throughout his life, Fielding suffered from poor health. By 1752, he could not move without the help of crutches. In an attempt to overcome his health problems, Henry Fielding went to live in Portugal, but this was not successful, and he died in Lisbon in 1754.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
May 17, 2026
A very ill British writer Henry Fielding (Tom Jones), decides to leave England when his health deteriorates. He books passage on a ship, floating on the Thames River, headed to Lisbon, Portugal. His physicians agree that the warmer climate might help, in reality no hope. Fielding takes his wife, daughter, a friend and two servants along. Problems become obvious, the master of the vessel is in no hurry to head down the river into the sea The Captain wants more passengers and cargo so his trip will be profitable. Fielding has to be lifted on board, poor fellow. Finally after many days, they start and promptly collide with two other ships, the omens are not good. Luckily for Mr. Fielding there is just minor damage to the boats. But the wind or lack of it doesn't cooperate and the ship remains in English waters for too long. Weeks pass by and they get as far as the Isle of Wight a short distance off the coast of southern England. You can imagine the primitive conditions on board in 1754 and the eagerness that people want to go on shore. Staying in an inn, the greedy landlady is not friendly to say the least. She even charges for the cheap candles used. Can you imagine the indignation for the weary travelers. When they eventually go south you guessed it, the wind stops blowing again in the age of sail. Sharing a crowded cabin with the old captain, whose snoring makes more noise than an orchestra and the seasick women in the next room, is a fun situation for no one. Fielding is not feeling well either for the illustrious writer . Stranded in the Bay of Biscay off Spain, the crew captures a shark and eats or better word devours it with the other food. On one magical, peaceful evening at sea on deck, Fielding's party views a colorful blazing Sun setting and a silvery exquisite Moon rising. That moment is worth all the hardships of the endless voyage to Lisbon. Henry Fielding a great writer from the past gives an example why he was this. For the adventurous reader to see from a safe distance how the ancients lived and died.
April 12, 2026
Sluggish, droll, and confusing for me to finally realize that majority of the book is not about safaring but the events that lead up to a short chapter about the voyage.
July 15, 2020
So this diary is mostly made of endless opinions on English domestic affairs. Some on politics, some on economics and social issues. The language is annoying with excessive irony, worsened by the miserable illness of the author that will eventually kill him. Dead calm sea, dropsy, seasickness are the background. Good luck with the reading.
There is just about nothing on Lisbon much to my bitter disappointment since the journey happened on the eve of the great earthquake.
There is just about nothing on Lisbon much to my bitter disappointment since the journey happened on the eve of the great earthquake.
March 16, 2009
Petulant, self-indulgent, & neither well written nor rich in delicious observational detail (aside from the single anecdote re. the cat gone overboard).
June 5, 2021
Found it hard going due to both the language and scanning errors
March 9, 2020
Doesn’t have much to say about Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake, this is mostly about the port towns of southern England one can get stuck in when “the wind is in your teeth.” I love the writing style, such long sentences, with drool humor, and diversions within sentences, supported by, so, many, commas!!!
A surprisingly entertaining read, for something that is centuries old, and therefore difficult to completely grasp, when one is reading for diversion.
Not only did I learn how horrible travel was in the 18th century (and how some of the horrors of travel are still with us) I also learned what dying from cirrhosis was like in the 18th century.
It’s interesting to read something from before the American revolution, by someone who is such a fucking monarchist. The problem with England is liberty? And the poor should be forced to work and have a maximum wage limit?!? Also uses the argument “we don’t select shepherds from amongst the sheep,” to defend the divine right of kings. Gross bro. USA USA
What I learned: some new islands. Ushant off Brittany has amazing lighthouses. The Berlengas off Portugal has the Pedra do Elefante. If a shark eats your salt beef, that you are hanging off the ship to freshen, you can catch the shark and still eat the beef, with shark!
A surprisingly entertaining read, for something that is centuries old, and therefore difficult to completely grasp, when one is reading for diversion.
Not only did I learn how horrible travel was in the 18th century (and how some of the horrors of travel are still with us) I also learned what dying from cirrhosis was like in the 18th century.
It’s interesting to read something from before the American revolution, by someone who is such a fucking monarchist. The problem with England is liberty? And the poor should be forced to work and have a maximum wage limit?!? Also uses the argument “we don’t select shepherds from amongst the sheep,” to defend the divine right of kings. Gross bro. USA USA
What I learned: some new islands. Ushant off Brittany has amazing lighthouses. The Berlengas off Portugal has the Pedra do Elefante. If a shark eats your salt beef, that you are hanging off the ship to freshen, you can catch the shark and still eat the beef, with shark!
August 30, 2019
The perfect antidote to cure those who romanticize sea travel in previous ages. The extremely ill Fielding (suffering of "dropsy" and a range of overlapping ailments) endures several weeks on a vessel bound for Lisbon, where the exhausted magistrate hopes the warmer climate (his is no longer a "Bath case") will alleviate his "distemper." The book's about the voyage TO Lisbon and not IN Lisbon, which only comes into view in the final paragraphs, and receives no flattering description. It's about failing to arrive at one's destination, or about getting there very inefficiently. Unfavorable winds mean the journey alternates between slow progress and stagnation. In the meantime a rouge's gallery of petty tyrants (the ship's captains and Portuguese custom officials) take advantage of their authority to lord their power over Fielding; the latter being the poking-and-pinching airport-security workers of the 18th century. In his intro., Fielding complains of tedious "voyage writing" which includes even the most tiresome details of one's journey and yet what is this account but that? Poor Fielding, he died in Lisbon just two months later.
November 23, 2023
My first introduction to Fielding, I'm ashamed to admit "at my age." Where has he been all my life? Maybe I was getting my "Fielding Fix" through Mark Twain, who I'm sure read & studied Fielding in order to perfect his own perfect style (IMO) of writing. Think "Twain in the 1700s!" Hysterical and loopy, yet incisive and insightful. Also a wonderful commentary on the way of things back then, which thankfully have changed much; but, human nature not so much.
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February 25, 2026Interesting for some expressions of his personal opinions on various aspects of society at the time. While I expected to read about his impressions of Lisbon, this journal is strictly limited to the authors journey, mostly on board a vessel, during a time of illness — and sadly closes upon arrival.
April 25, 2024
Kind of like Brysons neither here nor there but more old timey and less moving
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews