Reprint of the original, first published in 1877.

The Oxford History of the Novel in English is a twelve-volume series presenting a comprehensive, global, and up-to-date history of English-language prose fiction, written by a large, international team of scholars. The series is concerned with novels as a whole, not just the 'literary' novel, and each volume includes chapters on the processes of production, distribution, and reception, and on popular fiction and the fictional sub-genres, as well as outlining the work of major novelists, movements, and tendencies. This book offers an account of US fiction during a period demarcated by two traumatic moments: the eve of the entry of the United States into the Second World War and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The aftermath of the Second World War was arguably the high point of US nationalism, but in the years that followed, US writers would increasingly explore the possibility that US democracy was a failure, both at home and abroad. For so many of the writers whose work this volume explores, the idea of "nation" became suspect as did the idea of "national literature" as the foundation for US writing. Looking at post-1940s writing, the literary historian might well chart a movement within literary cultures away from nationalism and toward what we would call "cosmopolitanism," a perspective that fosters conversations between the occupants of different cultural spaces and that regards difference as an opportunity to be embraced rather than a problem to be solved. During this period, the novel has had significant competition for the US public's attention from other forms of narrative and media: film, television, comic books, videogames, and the internet and the various forms of social media that it spawned. If, however, the novel becomes a "residual" form during this period, it is by no means archaic. The novel has been reinvigorated over the past eighty years by its encounters with both emergent forms (such as film, television, comic books, and digital media) and the emergent voices typically associated with multiculturalism in the United States.

"Frederick the Great and His Family: A Historical Novel Book II" by Luise Muhlbach is a captivating portrayal of 18th-century Europe, offering readers a glimpse into the inner workings of Prussian royalty. Muhlbach, a master of historical fiction, delves into the complexities of Frederick the Great's reign, exploring not only his military strategies and political maneuvers but also the intricate dynamics within his royal family. Set against the backdrop of German history and the Enlightenment era, Muhlbach weaves a tale of court intrigue and European politics, where power struggles and alliances shape the destiny of nations. Through meticulous research and expert storytelling, she brings to life the nobility and their role in shaping the course of history. At the heart of the narrative are the family dynamics of Frederick the Great's household, where personal relationships intertwine with matters of state. Muhlbach skillfully navigates through the complexities of monarchy, revealing the human side of rulers often obscured by their public personas. "Frederick the Great and His Family" stands as a testament to Muhlbach's literary prowess, offering readers a compelling blend of historical accuracy and engaging storytelling in this remarkable work of historical fiction.

The Burgomaster's Wifeis a historical novel set at the time of the Spanish siege of the Dutch city of Leiden. "In the year 1574 A. D. spring made its joyous entry into the Netherlands at an unusually early date. Late in October of the preceding year, just after the storks left the country, a Spanish army had encamped here, and a few hours before the return of the winged wanderers in the first opening days of spring, the besiegers retired without having accomplished their purpose.Barren spots amid the luxuriant growth of vegetation marked the places where they had pitched their tents, the black cinders of the burnt coals their camp-fires.The sorely-threatened inhabitants of the rescued city, with thankful hearts, uttered sighs of relief. The industrious, volatile populace had speedily forgotten the sufferings endured, for early spring is so beautiful, and never does a rescued life seem so delicious as when we are surrounded by the joys of spring."

Praise for the print edition:" ... no other reference work on American fiction brings together such an array of authors and texts as this.