Samuel Richardson and the Dramatic Novel

The book explores the significant influence of drama on Samuel Richardson's writing, arguing that his integration of dramatic elements into fiction was pivotal in shaping the modern English novel. Ira Konigsberg meticulously analyzes the materials, techniques, and structures that Richardson adapted from Restoration and early eighteenth-century drama. This study not only highlights Richardson's role as a foundational figure in novel writing but also reveals how his innovative approach altered the trajectory of the literary genre.