The Old Debauchees

The Old Debauchees is a novel written by Henry Fielding, first published in 1729. The story revolves around the lives of two aging men, Sir Simon Loveit and his friend Colonel Tom Rakewell, who are both notorious for their wild and debauched lifestyle. Despite their advanced age, they continue to indulge in their vices, spending their time and money on gambling, drinking, and pursuing young women.As the novel progresses, Sir Simon becomes increasingly infatuated with a young woman named Miss Biddy Tipkin, who is the ward of his nephew, Jack Loveit. Jack, who is in love with Miss Biddy, becomes jealous of his uncle's interest in her and attempts to thwart his advances. Meanwhile, Colonel Tom Rakewell sets his sights on another young woman, Miss Letty, who is also the object of affection for a young man named Jack Darnley.The novel is a satire of the decadent and immoral lifestyles of the wealthy elite in 18th century England. Fielding uses humor and wit to expose the hypocrisy and moral corruption of his characters, while also exploring themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal. The Old Debauchees is a classic work of English literature and an important example of the satirical novel genre.Whether a violent Hatred to my Father, or an inordinate Love for Mischief, hath set the Priest on this Affair, I know not. Perhaps it is the former-- for the old Gentleman hath the Happiness of being universally hated by every Priest in Toulon-- Let a Man abuse a Physician, he makes another Physician his Friend, let him rail at a Lawyer, another will plead his Cause gratis; if he libel this Courtier, that Courtier receives him into his Bosom: but let him once attack a Hornet or a Priest, the whole Nest of Hornets, and the whole Regiment of Black-guards are sure to be upon him.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.