Companion to the Victorian Novel

Presents information about the range of British fiction published between 1837 and 1901. This work explains issues such as Victorian religions, class structure and Darwinism. It is suitable for students and researchers seeking coverage of contexts and trends, or as a starting point for a survey course. It is estimated that between 1837 and 1901 some 60,000 novels were published in Britain. This Companion introduces readers to the historical contexts in which this vast range of fiction was produced and to the critical debates that have raged about it ever since. The Companion comprises twenty-six original, accessible chapters, written by renowned and emerging scholars in the field of Victorian studies. The first section provides overviews of key historical contexts, such as religion, class, gender, and the publishing world. The second part surveys the various genres and subgenres of the Victorian novel. The third deals with Victorian, modern, and postmodern theories of the novel and looks at how Victorian novels and novelists were received, both now and then. A detailed and convenient index enables cross-referencing and study of a broad spectrum of authors, novels, themes, and controversies, while informed bibliographies following each chapter contain many helpful recommendations for further reading. The Companion to the Victorian Novel provides contextual and critical information about the entire range of British fiction published between 1837 and 1901. Provides contextual and critical information about the entire range of British fiction published during the Victorian period. Explains issues such as Victorian religions, class structure, and Darwinism to those who are unfamiliar with them. Comprises original, accessible chapters written by renowned and emerging scholars in the field of Victorian studies. Ideal for students and researchers seeking up-to-the-minute coverage of contexts and trends, or as a starting point for a survey course.