The Oxford History of the Novel in English English and British fiction 1750-1820

Provides full and unprecedented coverage of a conventionally neglected period in the history of the novel, in particular taking advantage of recent major advances in scholarly bibliography and editing. Considers major figures such as Smollett, Sterne, Austen, and Scott, in a broad historical context, leading to new interpretation and insights. Also freshly tracks the emergence of a number of key subgenres, such as the Jacobin novel; Gothic and Sentimental fiction,and the National Tale, while examining relatively neglected fields such magazine fiction, children's literature, and the shorter tale. As a whole, maps the growing importance of the novel as anational cultural institution, at a time when Britain became a major exporter of fiction worldwide. The volume assembles leading specialists in the field, originating from Britain and Ireland, North America, Australasia, and continental Europe.