The Historical Novel

The historical novel is an enduringly popular genre that raises crucial questions about key literary concepts fact and fiction identity history reading and writing. In this comprehensive focused guide Jerome de Groot offers an accessible introduction to the genre and critical debates that surround it including: the development of the historical novel from early eighteenth-century works through to postmodern and contemporary historical fiction different genres such as sensational or âlowâ fiction crime novels literary works counterfactual writing and related issues of audience value and authenticity the many functions of historical fiction particularly the challenges it poses to accepted histories and postmodern questioning of âgrand narrativesâ the relationship of the historical novel to the wider cultural sphere with reference to historical theory the internet television and film key theoretical concepts such as the authentic fallacy postcolonialism Marxism queer and feminist reading. Drawing on a wide range of examples from across the centuries and around the globe The Historical Novel is essential reading for students exploring the interface of history and fiction. . Language: English