Style in Fiction: A Linguistic Introduction to English Fictional Prose

by Michael H. Short, Geoffrey N. Leech

"Stylistics" is the study of language in the service of literary ends, and in Style in Fiction , Geoffrey Leech and Mick Short demonstrate how stylistic analysis can be applied to novels and stories. Writing for both students of English language and English literature, they show the practical ways in which linguistic analysis and literary appreciation can be combined, and illuminated, through the study of literary style. Drawing mainly on major works of fiction of the last 150 years, their practical and insightful examination of style through texts and extracts leads to a deeper understanding of how prose writers achieve their effects through language. Since its first publication in 1981, Style in Fiction has established itself as a key textbook in its field, selling nearly 30,000 copies. Now, in this revised edition, the authors have added substantial new material, including two completely new concluding chapters. These provide an extensive, up-to-date survey of developments in the field over the past 25 years, and apply the methods presented in earlier chapters to an analysis of an entire short story. The Further Reading section and the bibliographical references have also been thoroughly updated. In 2005 Style in Fiction was awarded the 25th Anniversary Prize by PALA (The Poetics and Linguistics Association) as the most influential book published in the field of stylistics 1980. Further proof, if proof were needed, that Style in Fiction remains a classic guide to its discipline.

Genres: Linguistics, Writing, Nonfiction, Literature, Language, Literary Criticism, Academic

424 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1981

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book if you are trying to improve your writing. My favourite section is chapter 10 - a great discussion of the five ways to present speech in your stories; finally, a clear explanation of free direct speech, direct speech, free indirect speech, indirect speech and narrative report of speech acts. I also thought the four maximums of speech acts very helpful in making your dialogue more interesting. Plus there are dozens more juicy steaks in the book to chew on. An excellent feast.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost a linguistics theory book to understanding the complexities of prose. Useful for those -- such as AP Literature or college teachers -- who want to deeply undertstand an author's craft. Not a book for the casual reader. I read this for a graduate school course.

[Natália B · Rating 3 out of 5]

v pohode knižka, myslím, že užitočná pre každého, kto sa zaujíma o literatúru aj z hlbšieho hľadiska, veľa ukážkových pasáží (aj keď by som uvítala väčšiu variabilitu) a asi si po tomto chcem prečítať všetko od dickensa :D

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Academic, but lots of good advice for writers.

[Doctor Cat]

Read only partially for work. A must read for those who do research on stylistics and want to back up their work with quantitative data.

[Paddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start of blurb. --> I wouldn’t be surprised if this would be labelled as ‘bible of stylistics’ by scholars. Perhaps the most in-depth, intriguing, mind-opening work on the intersection of literary studies and linguistics I have read so far. And I have not read far enough yet. <-- End of blurb.

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished the last book, just in time for the state exam.
Now, I only have to hope that I will remember something from them.

[Komal Pol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need it

[Inge · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh hell, I really want to give this 1 star because well, I see the use but it just wan't a captivating read at all. However, since I can see how it is useful for literary studies (and in extension translation studies), 3 stars. But only just.

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really a bit overwritten, making simple things so much more difficult than they are. However - also extremely interesting and fascinating material.