An introduction to British and Irish fiction

Více o knize

This book explores the evolution of fiction, particularly prose satire and the novel, in Britain and Ireland during the eighteenth century. It examines how fiction is interwoven with the cultural discourse of the time, tracing connections between fictional forms and visual representation. Artists like William Hogarth and satirists such as James Gillray and Thomas Rowlandson are prominently featured. By analyzing selected passages from canonical authors, including Defoe and Swift, alongside gothic novels, the study incorporates a wealth of visual material. This imagery is not merely illustrative; it highlights how visual representations engaged with social issues and influenced writers. The book also addresses the often-overlooked aspects of visual culture in books, such as frontispieces, title pages, and illustrations, arguing that these paratexts acted as enticing invitations for readers. It posits that the material form of the printed book was as significant as its narrative content during the novel's development. The concept of the "rise of the novel" is critically reassessed, revealing how the interplay between visual art and major discursive forms, like engraving and painting, enriched our understanding of the proliferation of fiction in the eighteenth century.