‘Let me have the credit of the translation’: French and English Operatic Adaptations of Tom Jones

International audienceThis article focuses on the multiple versions of Philidor's opéra-comique Tom Jones, a work back-translated into English by the playwright Joseph Reed. The main point of the article is to demonstrate that Reed's version was actually an anglicised adaptation meant to adjust to local taste and expectations. The article focuses on each stage of a threefold cultural transfer: Poinsinet's adaptation of Fielding's novel in 1765; Sedaine's revision in 1766; Reed's adaptation for London in 1769. In each case, the new version throws light on the perception of English identity, providing fascinating commentary on various national issues