02396cam a22003133u 4500 51010 UtSlPG 20260610134155.0 m cr n 260607r2016||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d 11019445 UtSlPG en iso639-1 PN Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion), 1854-1909 The Novel; what it is Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2016 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Release date is 2016-01-23 Produced by Chuck Greif and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images available at The Internet Archive) "The Novel; what it is" by F. Marion Crawford is a critical essay on the form and essence of the novel, written in the late 19th century. This book falls within the genre of literary criticism and serves as an exploration of what constitutes a novel, its purpose, and its relationship with other forms of writing. Likely composed during the late Victorian era, Crawford's work engages in a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of literature and the role of novelists in society. In this essay, Crawford defines the novel as an "intellectual artistic luxury," asserting that its primary function is to entertain and engage readers rather than preach or instruct them on moral or social issues. He critiques the trend of "purpose-novels," which attempt to impart moral lessons or address social issues, arguing that this undermines the inherent value of fiction as a means of escapism and enjoyment. Throughout the text, Crawford contrasts realism and romance in literature and advocates for a balanced approach that fosters both engaging storytelling and deep emotional resonance. The essay ultimately reflects on the anxieties and challenges faced by novelists in a rapidly modernizing world, urging them to create works that resonate with the complexities of human experience without falling into didacticism. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Fiction https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51010 91848 91848