tech
A History of the Novel in Britain by Philip Hensher review
This joyous book takes readers on a literary adventure across 200 years of fiction, from Defoe to Zadie Smith
TL;DR
- Philip Hensher's book is a masterful and enjoyable account of British fiction since 1719.
- Hensher's perspective as a novelist offers unique insights into literary techniques and authorial choices.
- The book details the historical "call and response" between authors, citing examples like Richardson and Fielding.
- It examines the financial and publishing models of authors, impacting their creative autonomy.
- Hensher rehabilitates lesser-known or dismissed authors like Hannah More, Tobias Smollett, and Arnold Bennett.
- He is critical of certain writers, including Ann Radcliffe and D.M. Thomas.
- The book critiques "experimentalism" of the 1960-1980 period, showing earlier precedents.
- Hensher stops his survey in 2000, believing sufficient time is needed for critical judgment.