Routledge Popular Fiction: The Logics and Practices of a Field

Explore the complex world of popular literature with Ken Gelder's comprehensive study, Popular Fiction: The Logics and Practices of a Literary Field. Published by Routledge, this book provides a progressive account of how popular fiction functions as its own distinct literary field. By examining a wide range of influential novelists, the text connects classic authors like Sir Walter Scott and Marie Corelli to modern giants such as Ian Fleming, J.K. Rowling, and Stephen King. This approach allows readers to see the evolution of storytelling through the ages. Gelder offers a detailed critical history of three major genres: romance, crime fiction, and science fiction. Beyond just the writing, the book examines the practical side of the industry, looking at how bookshops, fanzines, and prozines impact the distribution and evaluation of popular works. This is an essential resource for anyone interested in the mechanics of literary genres and the cultural impact of mass-market fiction.