The Fortunate Foundlings Being the Genuine History of Colonel M——Rs, and His Sister, Madam Du P——Y, the Issue of the Hon. Ch——Es M——Rs, Son of the Late Duke of R—— L——D. Containing Many Wonderful Accidents That Befel Them in Their Travels, and Interspersed with the Characters and Adventures of Several Persons of Condition, In the Most Polite Courts of Europe. the Whole Calculated for the Entertainment and Improvement of the Youth of Both Sexes.

"The Fortunate Foundlings" by Eliza Fowler Haywood is a fictional narrative likely written in the mid-18th century. The novel explores the intertwined lives of twins Horatio and Louisa, who were abandoned as infants and adopted by a benevolent gentleman named Dorilaus. The story unfolds around their upbringing, ambitions, and the various misadventures they face in pursuit of social status and love, particularly as they navigate the complexities of their origins and relationships within the genteel society of Europe. The opening portion of "The Fortunate Foundlings" introduces the story's main characters, Dorilaus, Horatio, and Louisa. It begins with Dorilaus discovering the abandoned twins and choosing to care for them, treating them with exceptional kindness and nurturing. As the narrative progresses, we learn about the affection he develops toward them as they grow up, particularly their education and aspirations, setting the stage for future conflicts. The twins' distinct paths begin to diverge as Horatio expresses a fervent desire to join the army, while Louisa's journey intertwines with Dorilaus's deepening affections toward her, complicating their familial bond. The complex emotions and societal expectations create an engaging foundation for the unfolding saga of their lives. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Eliza Haywood, born Elizabeth Fowler, was an English writer, actress and publisher. An increase in interest and recognition of Haywood's literary works began in the 1980s. Described as "prolific even by the standards of a prolific age", Haywood wrote and published over 70 works in her lifetime, including fiction, drama, translations, poetry, conduct literature and periodicals. Haywood today is studied primarily as one of the 18th-century founders of the novel in English.