The Novel; what it is: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Novel; what it is: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Novel; what it is is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion) (1854–1909).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Novel; what it is" by F. Marion Crawford is a critical essay on the form and essence of the novel, written in the late 19th century. This book falls within the genre of literary criticism and serves as an exploration of what constitutes a novel, its purpose, and its relationship with other forms of writing. Likely composed during the late Victorian era, Crawford's work engages in a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of literature and the role of novelists in society. In this essay, Crawford defines the novel as an "intellectual artistic luxury," asserting that its primary function is to entertain and engage readers rather than preach or instruct them on moral or social issues. He critiques the trend of "purpose-novels," which attempt to impart moral lessons or address social issues, arguing that this undermines the inherent value of fiction as a means of escapism and enjoyment. Throughout the text, Crawford contrasts realism and romance in literature and advocates for a balanced approach that fosters both engaging storytelling and deep emotional resonance. The essay ultimately reflects on the anxieties and challenges faced by novelists in a rapidly modernizing world, urging them to create works that resonate with the complexities of human experience without falling into didacticism.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Novel; what it is
- Author credits: Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion) (1854–1909)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.
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