The Rise of Novels -- New Edition

Author: Ian P. Watt
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2004-01-01
Features: As a form of written expression, the emergence, development, and perfection of the novel require a certain socio-historical environment. The philosophical, religious, economic, social stages, and scientific and technological factors within it all play varying degrees of influence, if not a pivotal role, in the formation of this literary form. Understanding the causes, consequences, and the intricacies of this process is both fascinating and beneficial for comprehending the laws of literary development and the formation of a particular written form. The academic monograph "The Rise of the Novel" introduced here is such an interesting and valuable study. All footnotes in this book have been added by the translator, with original notes appended at the end of each chapter. An index of names and book titles in both Chinese and English is provided at the end of the book for easy reference. The author places "The Rise of the Novel" as a new literary genre within the social relations of the 18th century, highlighting the dominant characteristics of the middle-class stage at the time. The renowned American journal The Saturday Review said: "The strength of this book lies not only in a particular method or perspective but also in Professor Watt's ability to deepen our understanding of the novel as a primary social trend and to offer new insights into the nature of artistic creation."