When Queen Victoria came to the throne in 1837 the novel was barely past its infancy. Fiction had existed as long as human consciousness but the novel really dates no further back than the 18th century. By the end of the century the novel was far advanced in its form and women were among the most notable contributors. Consequently, this book not only explores the development of the novel form, but examines the role of women in this development and assesses the significance of their contribution.
The series:
Cambridge Contexts in Literature is a series designed for students at advanced level offering critical introductions to a range of literary topics and genres, Each volume ahs been carefully planned to help students evaluate the influence of literacy, cultural and historical contexts on both writers and readers. Each title also contains an anthology of texts and extracts exemplifying key issues raised in the introduction to the areas of study. The series provides: the background for placing texts within their literacy, cultural and historical contexts; opportunities to explore and evaluate different interpretations in literature; a variety of approaches to active, imaginative and comparative study of texts and contexts; ideas on how to write about the authors and their work in context; assignments and key focus questions.