Cambridge University Press The Cambridge Companion to the Twentieth-Century English Novel (Cambridge Companions to Literature)

The twentieth-century English novel encompasses a vast body of work, and one of the most important and most widely read genres of literature. Balancing close readings of particular novels with a comprehensive survey of the last century of published fiction, this Companion introduces readers to more than a hundred major and minor novelists. It demonstrates continuities in novel-writing that bridge the century's pre- and post-War halves and presents leading critical ideas about English fiction's themes and forms. The essays examine the endurance of modernist style throughout the century, the role of nationality and the contested role of the English language in all its forms, and the relationships between realism and other fictional modes: fantasy, romance, science fiction. Students, scholars and readers will find this Companion an indispensable guide to the history of the English novel. Review 'Because of the number the essays are necessarily shorter, but this … is more than compensated by the breadth of topics discussed.' Contemporary Review'… a stimulating collection of essays which are well-structured to inspire research by both students and the general reader … excellent and affordable … for undergraduates and the interested general reader …' Keith M. C. O'Sullivan, Reference Reviews'… energetically edited … Startling and exciting in equal measure, this volume will engender controversy for some time to come … Highly recommended [for] upper-division undergraduates and above.' M. J. Emery, Choice Book Description A survey of the development of the novel since 1900, with detailed information about individual novels, themes and subgenres. About the Author Robert L. Caserio is Professor of English at Penn State University.