Subject
English fiction -- History and criticism Books
Best books
E. M. (Edward Morgan) Forster
Aspects of the novel
"Aspects of the Novel" by E. M. Forster is a literary critique written in the early 20th century. This work compiles a series of lectures that delves into the various elements that constitute the novel, exploring aspects like story, characters, plot, and the rhythm of narration. Forster aims to clarify the complexities of the novel form, providing insights that will resonate with both readers and writers, and discusses the nuances that define successful storytelling. The opening of "Aspects of the Novel" establishes its framework, introducing the author's intention to explore the novel through a mix of humor and intellectual insights. Forster begins by reflecting on the essence of storytelling and its fundamental importance to the structure of novels. He hints at the included discussions about influential authors and offers a critique of both the nature of characters and the role of the reader's interpretation. The initial chapters aim to break down traditional notions of literary analysis, contrasting the narrative qualities of classic and contemporary works, and setting the stage for nuanced examinations of various writing styles and techniques within the realm of fiction.
Dorothy Scarborough
The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction
"The Supernatural in Modern English Fiction" by Dorothy Scarborough is a scholarly work exploring the theme of the supernatural in English literature, particularly focusing on the Gothic tradition, written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the evolution of supernatural elements across various literary forms, emphasizing their role in shaping reader experiences and reflecting societal beliefs about the unknown. Scarborough aims to highlight the continuity of supernaturalism from the Gothic romance to contemporary literature, illustrating how this genre persists in capturing human fascination. The opening of the work presents a comprehensive preface in which the author discusses the complexities of tackling the topic due to the vast amount of related literature, evident in her extensive bibliography. Scarborough reflects on the enduring presence of the supernatural in both classical and modern writing, drawing connections to human psychology and cultural trends. She sets the stage for the subsequent chapters, which are expected to delve deeper into specific Gothic themes, the rise of modern ghost stories, and the interplay of supernatural elements in various literary contexts throughout English fiction.
Edith Birkhead
The Tale of Terror: A Study of the Gothic Romance
"The Tale of Terror: A Study of the Gothic Romance" by Edith Birkhead is a critical examination of the Gothic romance genre, likely written in the early 20th century. The work traces the evolution of supernatural fiction in English literature, focusing on the historical and thematic developments from the rise of Gothic fiction in the late 18th century through various notable authors and works, including the American adaptations by Hawthorne and Poe. The opening of the study outlines the deep-rooted history of terror in storytelling, beginning with ancient myths and moving through various literary forms up to the emergence of Gothic fiction. Birkhead discusses the significance of fear and supernatural elements, highlighting works from the likes of Horace Walpole and Mrs. Radcliffe, setting the stage for a broader analysis of how the Gothic genre evolved over centuries. The introduction creates an awareness of how integral the theme of terror has been in both oral tradition and written literature, setting up a nuanced exploration of the genre's influence and its enduring appeal.
Bayard Tuckerman
A History of English Prose Fiction
"A History of English Prose Fiction" by Bayard Tuckerman is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work aims to trace the development of English prose fiction, exploring its origins from early romances to contemporary novels while highlighting the social contexts of different periods. Tuckerman's analysis provides insights into the evolution of prose fiction, emphasizing significant authors and movements across history. The opening of the book introduces the author's intention to document and analyze the progression of English prose fiction. Tuckerman discusses the emergence of chivalric romances amidst the feudal society of medieval Europe, noting how these narratives reflect the values and circumstances of their time. He emphasizes the blending of cultural influences and genres, illustrating how early fiction captured the imaginations of its readers and laid the groundwork for future literary traditions. The text outlines the overarching themes of chivalry and adventure while also touching on the interplay between fiction and the realities of society during the Middle Ages.
George Saintsbury
The English Novel
"The English Novel" by George Saintsbury is a scholarly work that delves into the history and development of the English novel, composed during the early 20th century. This exploration examines the roots and evolution of prose fiction in English literature from its early forms, foundational romances, and significant figures up until the end of the 19th century, outlining the literary progress through various periods and styles. The opening of the book establishes the context of English prose fiction's development, highlighting the relative lateness of its emergence in Western literature compared to poetry. Saintsbury introduces the concept that the literary tradition of prose fiction has deep roots in romance, citing various classical and earlier English texts while critically analyzing their narratives and structures. He goes on to delineate how these foundational romances not only served as a precursor to modern novels but also laid the groundwork for character and plot development, reflecting a gradual shift from poetry to prose, and setting the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the English novel's progression through various significant authors and their contributions.
Richard Burton
Masters of the English Novel: A Study of Principles and Personalities
"Masters of the English Novel: A Study of Principles and Personalities" by Richard Burton is a scholarly examination of the development of the English novel, likely written in the late 19th century. The book analyzes the works and influences of key novelists from the 18th century to the period surrounding its writing, highlighting the evolution of narrative forms, character development, and societal themes that define English fiction. The opening of the book introduces the author's critical perspective on the nature of fiction and its evolution into the modern novel. Burton discusses how the term "novel" emerged as a distinct literary form centered around realistic representations of contemporary society, diverging from earlier, more fantastical stories. He explains the critical role of early novelists such as Samuel Richardson and Henry Fielding, whose contrasting styles set the foundation for future literature, establishing character analysis and social commentary as significant elements of the narrative. Burton underscores the impact of societal changes on the novel's development, positioning it as a reflective medium of human experience and emphasizing its importance in modern literary education.
Henry Seidel Canby
Definitions: Essays in Contemporary Criticism [First Series]
"Definitions: Essays in Contemporary Criticism [First Series]" by Henry Seidel Canby is a collection of critical essays written in the early 20th century. In this work, Canby explores the multifaceted nature of contemporary literature, especially how it intertwines with American culture and social dynamics. His essays aim to dissect various genres and themes, providing insights into how sentimentality, idealism, and the societal backdrop influence both writers and readers in the realm of fiction. At the start of the collection, Canby elaborates on the nature of American literature, particularly its inclination toward sentimentality. He contrasts the pragmatic and often hard nature of American life with the preference for emotionally charged, soft literature that tends to idealize its characters and plots. Canby critiques this tendency, suggesting that while sentiment and idealism are inherent to the American psyche, they often lead to a detachment from reality in storytelling. He sets the stage for an examination of the influences shaping fiction, including cultural conditioning, societal expectations, and the aspirations served by popular narratives, marking a critical pathway through which readers can deepen their understanding of the literary landscape of their time.
Sidney Lanier
The English Novel and the Principle of its Development
"The English Novel and the Principle of its Development" by Sidney Lanier is a critical work written in the late 19th century. The book is based on a series of public lectures that explore the significance of the novel as a literary form, discussing its evolution and its relationship to modern society. Lanier delves into broader ideas regarding literary forms and aims to elucidate how the novel has become a dominant means of expression in contemporary culture. The opening of the text sets the stage by outlining Lanier's intentions to analyze the novel not just analytically but rather synthetically, from the perspective of literary art. He contrasts this approach with his earlier work on poetry and emphasizes the importance of understanding the novel's role in modern life. He argues that the novel, much like other forms of prose, is a product of its time, shaped by the increasing complexity of human personality and social interactions. Lanier highlights the transformative power of the novel, which serves both virtuous and vice-ridden narratives, illustrating its profound impact on readers and society as a whole.
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