Modern Romance and Transformations of the Novel

The book explores the revival of romance as a key literary form in British culture between 1760 and 1850, highlighting its role in shaping national identity and the novel's authenticity. It analyzes how the evolving cultural and material conditions transformed prose fiction, culminating in the prominence of Scott's Waverley novels. Ian Duncan's study traces the origins of modern prose fiction in the Gothic novel, delving into Scott's blend of romance and history and his influence on Charles Dickens as a national author.