A novel is a fictional form of literature, which is of some length. The length of the novel allows the author to develop the characters and plot in more depth than what can be found in short stories and novellas. There is some disagreement about the earliest form of the novel, but these books offer discussions and interpretations of the novel's development. Learn more about the novel, with these top books!
1. English Novel: An Introduction
by Terry Eagleton. Blackwell Publishers. In this introduction, Eagleton explores the canon of English writers, including Daniel Defoe, Jonathan Swift, and Virginia Wolf. He focuses on the novelists most commonly encountered by students.
2. Modern Novel: A Short Introduction
by Jesse Matz. Blackwell Publishers. What is the "modern" novel? This book explores the experimental writing that was part of the development of modernity in the novel form. Learn more about what you can appreciate in the modern novel.3. Studying the Novel: An Introduction
by Jeremy Hawthorn. St. Martin's Press. This introduction explores the definitions to commonly used terminology: story, plot, symbol, image, tone, mood, etc. This guide also offers suggestions for essay writing and test taking.4. Introduction to Fiction
by X. J. Kennedy, and Dana Gioia. Longman. This book features 69 short stories, along with a discussion of the elements of fiction, how to evaluate a story, and how to read a novel.