The History of the Life of Jonathan Wild, the Great

This satirical novel tells the story of Jonathan Wild, a real London criminal who ran a gang of thieves while posing as a thief-catcher. Fielding presents him ironically as a hero, praising his cunning and ambition while exposing his cruelty and betrayals.

The real target is wider than one man. Fielding uses the criminal's career to mock the idea of greatness itself, suggesting that politicians and conquerors can behave like thieves on a larger scale. It is a dark, sharp work of irony.