Romance for Sale in Early Modern England
The Rise of Prose Fiction
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Published:27th Mar '06
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
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- Paperback£49.99(9781138250925)
This book explores how key figures in early modern England established prose fiction as a viable genre, shaping literary culture and audience engagement.
In Romance for Sale in Early Modern England, the author delves into the intertwined yet distinct careers of four pivotal figures: Robert Greene, Sir Philip Sidney, Thomas Lodge, and Thomas Nashe. Through their various engagements with print culture and Heliodoran romance, these authors played a crucial role in establishing prose fiction as both a culturally and economically viable genre in England. The study posits that early modern English prose fiction was not merely a reflection of changing literary tastes but a conscious creation of a new literary culture, where professional writers began producing books aimed at anonymous readers.
Steve Mentz argues that the narrative innovations of this period were influenced not only by the burgeoning print market but also by the rediscovery of Heliodorus's Aethiopian History, a significant late classical text. By examining the dynamic interplay between traditional narrative forms and emerging concepts of audience engagement, Mentz provides a thorough historicist and formalist analysis of prose romance, which he identifies as a key genre in Elizabethan fiction. He illustrates how the authors and publishers of late sixteenth-century England navigated the evolving literary landscape, shaping what he refers to as 'middlebrow' narratives.
Ultimately, Romance for Sale in Early Modern England weaves together various strands of scholarly inquiry, including the history of the book, the study of popular fiction, and the exploration of genre and influence. This work not only connects early modern fiction to the broader history of prose but also highlights the beginnings of the modern novel, showcasing how these writers laid the groundwork for future literary developments.
'This learned study offers important new contexts for the prose romances”and authorial careers”of Sidney, Greene, Lodge, and Nashe. Mentz recovers a 'Heliodoran Moment' in the 1580s and 90s, vivid in its generic and rhetorical jostlings and vital in its implications for our histories of prose fiction, print culture, and the literary marketplace.' Professor William H. Sherman, University of York, UK 'This lively study offers original perspectives on two processes that have attracted growing critical attention: the emergence of print authorship, and the development of pre-novelistic fictions. Mentz compellingly argues that Elizabethan prose fiction was crucial to both processes, as Elizabethan writers sought models for their uncertain roles in the chance-driven narratives of Greek romance.' Lori Humphrey Newcomb, Associate Professor of English, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign '... engaging new study... this book is a valiant production, full of interesting detail, arresting in its novelty, comprehensive in the scope of the background reading, and worth the consideration of all students of early prose fiction.' Renaissance Quarterly ’... a rich, original and informative book which is a pleasure read: it should be essential reading for all those interested in the changing fashions of Renaissance prose romance.’ Early Modern Literary Studies ’... Mentz's study provides compelling new contexts for prose romance and for authorial careers. His study of how authors strove to situate themselves in their peritexts provides fresh insight into how popular romance sold itself.’ Journal of British Studies ’If nothing else, this book will remain a resource and point of reference for early modernists with an interest in Elizabethan prose fiction... Romance for Sale in Early Modern England represents a broad critical updating and reconsideration of the field of Elizabethan prose fiction, and it is timely as such. Many readers will welcome it.’
ISBN: 9780754654698
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 660g
272 pages