Essays on Modern Novelists

by William Lyon Phelps

"Essays on Modern Novelists" by William Lyon Phelps is a collection of literary critiques written in the early 20th century. The book offers an in-depth examination of various Modernist authors and their contributions to the genre, aiming to elucidate their themes, styles, and impact on literature. Phelps includes essays on prominent figures such as Thomas Hardy, Mark Twain, and William Dean Howells, illustrating how their works reflect the zeitgeist of their time. At the start of this compilation, Phelps introduces his analysis of William De Morgan, emphasizing the late emergence of De Morgan's literary success. The opening discusses conversations between fictional characters that reveal De Morgan's beliefs about life and creativity, particularly how experience informs his storytelling. Phelps underscores the unique qualities of De Morgan's novels, such as their engaging narratives and character development, while also drawing parallels to the works of other notable authors, laying the groundwork for a detailed exploration of how these novelists collectively shaped modern literature.