A Masterful Account of Fiction in Britain
Philip Hensher's book is a comprehensive and engaging history of the novel in Britain, spanning over two centuries.
A new book by Philip Hensher has been praised as a masterpiece of criticism, offering a deep and engaging history of the novel in Britain. The book, which spans over two centuries, from Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe in 1719 to the year 2000, is a comprehensive account of the development of fiction in Britain.
The book's success can be attributed to Hensher's unique approach to the subject. Unlike traditional surveys that rely on a series of silos, with little sense of historical connection or intellectual unfolding, Hensher provides a joined-up account of creative call and response. This approach allows readers to see the evolution of the novel in Britain as a dynamic and interconnected process.
Hensher's own experience as a novelist also brings a practitioner's informed eye to the subject. He provides insightful analysis of the works of famous authors, such as Dickens and James, and sheds light on lesser-known writers who have been overlooked by literary historians.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to balance praise and criticism. Hensher is generous with plaudits, celebrating the works of authors such as Hannah More and Arnold Bennett, but he is also unafraid to point out home truths. He critiques the works of authors such as Ann Radcliffe and DM Thomas, and offers a nuanced assessment of the experimentalism of the 1960s and 1970s.
The book's scope is impressive, covering a wide range of authors and works. From the early 18th century to the year 2000, Hensher provides a detailed and engaging account of the development of the novel in Britain. His writing is clear and concise, making the book accessible to readers who may not be familiar with literary theory or history.
Hensher's decision to stop his account in 2000 is a wise one, underscoring the moral seriousness of this masterpiece. By not bringing his account up to date, he avoids the pitfalls of contemporary criticism and allows readers to form their own judgments about the works of authors such as Zadie Smith.
Overall, Hensher's book is a masterpiece of criticism that offers a comprehensive and engaging history of the novel in Britain. Its unique approach, insightful analysis, and balanced critique make it a must-read for anyone interested in literature and literary history.
A Joined-Up Account of Creative Call and Response
Hensher's approach to the subject is one of the book's greatest strengths. Unlike traditional surveys that rely on a series of silos, with little sense of historical connection or intellectual unfolding, Hensher provides a joined-up account of creative call and response. This approach allows readers to see the evolution of the novel in Britain as a dynamic and interconnected process.
Hensher's own experience as a novelist also brings a practitioner's informed eye to the subject. He provides insightful analysis of the works of famous authors, such as Dickens and James, and sheds light on lesser-known writers who have been overlooked by literary historians.
A Masterful Account of Fiction in Britain
The book's scope is impressive, covering a wide range of authors and works. From the early 18th century to the year 2000, Hensher provides a detailed and engaging account of the development of the novel in Britain. His writing is clear and concise, making the book accessible to readers who may not be familiar with literary theory or history.
Hensher's decision to stop his account in 2000 is a wise one, underscoring the moral seriousness of this masterpiece. By not bringing his account up to date, he avoids the pitfalls of contemporary criticism and allows readers to form their own judgments about the works of authors such as Zadie Smith.
Overall, Hensher's book is a masterpiece of criticism that offers a comprehensive and engaging history of the novel in Britain. Its unique approach, insightful analysis, and balanced critique make it a must-read for anyone interested in literature and literary history.
Source: The Guardian Books