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Cover of Encyclopedia of the Novel

Encyclopedia of the Novel

Written by Paul Schellinger

3.02 ratings

838 pages, about 17 hours of reading

Literary Criticism

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About this book

The Encyclopedia of the Novel is the first reference book that focuses on the development of the novel throughout the world. Entries on individual writers assess the place of that writer within the development of the novel form, explaining why and in exactly what ways that writer is importnant. Similarly, an entry on an individual novel discusses the importance of that novel not only form, analyzing the particular innovations that novel has introduced and the ways in which it has influenced the subsequent course of the genre. A wide range of topic entries explore the history, criticism, theory, production, dissemination and reception of the novel. A very important component of the Encyclopedia of the Novel is its long surveys of development of the novel in various regions of the world.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Encyclopedia of the Novel, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • scholarly
  • informative
  • authoritative

The Encyclopedia of the Novel is an unprecedented global reference work dedicated to tracing the historical development and critical understanding of the novel form. It features a vast array of entries covering individual authors, significant novels, critical theories, production methods, and reception histories, all framed within the context of the novel's evolution. A crucial element is its extensive surveys on the novel's development across various world regions, providing a truly international perspective. This scholarly compendium serves as an indispensable resource for students, academics, and anyone interested in the comprehensive study of this literary genre.

“Entries on individual writers assess the place of that writer within the development of the novel form, explaining why and in exactly what ways that writer is important.”

Key themes

The Global Evolution of the Novel
This is the overarching theme, exploring how the novel form emerged, developed, and diversified across different cultures and historical periods worldwide. The encyclopedia systematically traces its origins, key transformations, and the specific contributions of various regional literatures.
Literary Innovation and Influence
This theme focuses on the specific ways writers and individual novels pushed the boundaries of the genre, introducing new narrative techniques, thematic concerns, or structural elements that subsequently influenced the course of the novel. It emphasizes the dynamic and evolving nature of the form.
Theories and Criticism of the Novel
The encyclopedia delves into the various theoretical frameworks and critical approaches used to understand, analyze, and interpret the novel. This includes exploring different schools of thought, key critical concepts, and the historical development of novel theory.

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