Theory of the Novel: A Historical Approach

by Michael McKeon (Editor)

A major collection of essays on the novel. Michael McKeon, author of The Origins of the English Novel, 1600-1740, here assembles a collection of influential essays on the theory of the novel. Carefully chosen selections from Frye, Benjamin, Lévi-Strauss, Lukács, Bakhtin, and other prominent theorists explore the historical significance of the novel as a genre, from its early beginnings to its modern variations in the postmodern novel and postcolonial novel. Offering a generous selection of key theoretical texts for students and scholars alike, Theory of the Novel also presents a provocative argument for studying the genre. In his introduction to the volume and in headnotes to each section, McKeon argues that genre theory and history provide the best approach to understanding the novel. All the selections in this anthology date from the twentieth century―most from the last forty years―and represent the attempts of different theorists, and different theoretical schools, to describe the historical stages of the genre's formal development.

Genres: Nonfiction, Literary Criticism, Theory, Criticism, History, Grad School

968 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2000

Reviews

[Molly Nash · Rating 3 out of 5]

would not recommend this book unless u really like novel theory or have to for a class. definitely some intriguing stuff in here but it is a brick of a book— I do love an anthology though

[J.S.A. Lowe]

I am completely baffled by the appearance of this book in my library holds list. But I dutifully went and picked it up and checked it out, even though it weighs about forty pounds. It looks very interesting, but honestly I am utterly mystified. WHY did I request this book? It wasn't in my GR or Amazon list....anyone know? :?

[Vincent Saint-Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Novel:

I would like to introduce you to one of your most learned advocates: Michael McKeon. He has justified your existence better than you could, and in the process he has made you seem (dare I say it?) outdated.

You are old, Novel. And I'm afraid you are also senile.

Best all the same,

Vincent

[SJ L · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this in college and it doesn't totally suck. Marthe Robert's essay is good. Northrop Fryes, Ian Watt's also OK.

Theory books aren't exactly riviting material, but I guess you gotta read it.

[Andee Nero · Rating 3 out of 5]

How do you rate a collection of essays, especially one this massive? I give three stars because, while I appreciate the mix of pre/post structuralist theory, McKeon would benefit if he took his own advice on using a historical approach and included something a bit more interdisciplinary.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sure there are novel theorists and other literary academics who loved this anthology, but I found most of the writing dull, dry, and difficult to follow. There were many interesting points, but they were largely overpowered by that dry, uninviting tone.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an anthology of novel theory. Some of it, I liked. Some of it, I didn't. But that's pretty much what can be expected with theory.

[Ryan]

good stuff. not all the articles are that great but i dug the watt, bakhtin and lukas stuff so far.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is wonderful. It has so many criticisms in it that I find myself going back and using it someway with many of my literature papers.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

indispensable for any understanding of the novel form.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

University of Saint Thomas' Graduate English - The Rise of the Novel

I mean, obviously I didn't finish the whole thing.