The Works of Henry Fielding, vol. 11 A Journey From This World to the Next; and A Voyage to Lisbon

In the first part, a freshly deceased narrator is greeted by Mercury, who escorts him onto a theatrical stage that serves as a portal to the world beyond. From there he embarks on a bustling procession through a City of Diseases, marvels at the looming Palace of Death, and witnesses a parade of spirits assuming countless earthly guises. Along the way he encounters judges, fortune’s wheel, and a host of characters—each a witty sketch that satirises human ambition and folly while probing the mystery of what lies after the final breath.

The companion piece is a lively travel journal chronicling a mid‑18th‑century voyage to Lisbon. Its keen observations capture the city’s bustling ports, striking architecture, and the everyday customs of its inhabitants, all peppered with the author’s personal reflections and wry humor. Illustrated with period drawings, the narrative offers a vivid snapshot of Portuguese life that feels both intimate and historically rich, inviting listeners to step aboard a ship and explore a world far removed from home.