Style in Fiction: A Linguistic Introduction to English Fictional Prose

by Geoffrey N. Leech, Mick Short

Describes the ways in which the techniques of linguistic analysis and literary criticism can be combined, and illuminated, through the linguistic study of literary style, and draws on the prose fiction of the last 150 years to demonstrate the approach.

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

402 pages, Paperback

First published December 12, 1981

Reviews

[Tony]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

I need it

[Inge]

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]

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