A New History of the Novel

Steven Moore's A New History of the Novel presents an alternative view of the novel's origins and development, challenging conventional literary histories. The work spans from ancient Greece and Rome through medieval tales to contemporary fiction across multiple continents and traditions. Moore examines texts and authors often overlooked in standard accounts of the novel's evolution. His research covers experimental works from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe that predate traditionally recognized "first novels" like Don Quixote. The book dedicates significant attention to works written in non-European languages and traditions, documenting the parallel development of novel-like forms across cultures. Moore's historical survey extends through modernist and postmodernist periods into the 21st century. This comprehensive history reveals the novel as a more diverse, complex, and ancient form than traditionally acknowledged. The work suggests that experimental and "difficult" novels are not modern innovations but part of a continuous tradition dating back millennia.

Readers appreciate Moore's depth of research and inclusion of lesser-known novels and authors from diverse cultures. They highlight the scholarly but readable tone and Moore's ability to make connections across centuries of literature. Common praise points: - Comprehensive coverage beyond Western canon - Clear writing style despite academic subject matter - Detailed footnotes and references - Fresh perspectives on familiar works Main criticisms: - Dense, encyclopedic nature can overwhelm casual readers - Some find the thematic organization confusing - Occasional digressions into minutiae - Limited coverage of some major novels Ratings: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (82 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (31 reviews) Sample review: "Moore mines a staggering amount of literary history and presents it in digestible chunks. The trade-off is that major works sometimes get brief mentions while obscure texts receive lengthy analysis." - Goodreads reviewer "Like a literary detective uncovering forgotten gems." - Amazon reviewer

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🔖 The book spans nearly 700 pages and attempts an unprecedented global history of the novel, tracing its origins back to ancient Greece and the Far East 📚 Steven Moore actively challenges the common belief that the novel began with Don Quixote in 1605, demonstrating the existence of complex narrative fiction thousands of years earlier 📖 Moore examines works from more than 20 languages and numerous ancient civilizations, including texts from India, China, Japan, and the Arab world ✍️ The author spent 15 years working as a managing editor of the Review of Contemporary Fiction and Dalkey Archive Press, institutions known for promoting experimental literature 🌏 The book discusses many overlooked works, including the Mesopotamian "Story of Apollonius, King of Tyre" from the 3rd century BC and the 11th-century Japanese "Tale of Genji"