Technologies of the Novel: Quantitative Data and the Evolution of Literary Systems

This book argues that the novel is a system in constant flux, made up of artifacts that rise and fall, with traceable origins and adoption. It provides a new way of understanding the history and evolution of artforms, looking at the novel as a patterned system.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 287 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This book, based on a comprehensive sampling of nearly 2000 French and English novels from 1601 to 1830, sets out to explore the intricate evolution of the novel in a way that challenges prevailing scholarly narratives. Contrary to the notion that the novel has merely risen over the past sixty years, the author argues that the novel is a dynamic system characterized by constant flux. Rather than a linear progression, the novel comprises a collection of artifacts, each with its own distinct characteristics, that rise and fall over time. These artifacts, identified as novelistic technologies, are not static entities but rather evolving innovations that require time for adoption and eventual abandonment. Similar to technological waves in other domains, the rise and fall of novelistic technologies are not automatic but rather result from the creative inventions and adaptations of writers.

The author emphasizes that these literary artifacts are not mere creations of individual writers but rather part of a broader system. By examining the novel as a patterned system, the author offers a compelling new perspective on the history and evolution of artforms. This approach reveals the interconnectedness and interdependence of different novel types, as well as the ways in which they have influenced and shaped each other over time.

One of the key arguments put forth by the author is that novelistic technologies are not isolated phenomena but rather are deeply intertwined with social, cultural, and economic developments. The rise and fall of particular novel types can be linked to changes in society, such as the emergence of new forms of entertainment, the expansion of literacy, and the development of new modes of transportation. Similarly, the adoption and abandonment of novelistic technologies can reflect shifts in artistic preferences, cultural values, and economic conditions.

The author also delves into the mechanisms behind the invention and adoption of novelistic technologies. Writers are not merely passive recipients of cultural trends but active agents who invent and adapt literary artifacts for various purposes. These purposes may include exploring new narrative structures, expressing social and political commentary, or appealing to different reader preferences. The process of invention and adaptation involves a complex interplay between creativity, tradition, and cultural influences, as writers draw upon existing literary forms and traditions while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in literature.

Furthermore, the author argues that the study of novelistic technologies can provide valuable insights into the broader cultural and historical context in which literature is produced. By examining the patterns and trends in the evolution of novelistic technologies, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the social, political, and economic forces that shape literary production. This understanding can help us to better appreciate the complex relationships between literature and other cultural forms, such as art, music, and film.

In conclusion, this book offers a groundbreaking exploration of the evolution of the novel as a dynamic system characterized by constant flux. By challenging the notion of a linear progression and highlighting the interconnectedness and interdependence of different novel types, the author provides a compelling new way of understanding the history and evolution of artforms. The study of novelistic technologies not only sheds light on the creative processes of writers but also offers valuable insights into the broader cultural and historical context in which literature is produced. This book is a must-read for scholars and enthusiasts alike who are interested in exploring the rich and complex world of literature.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 170 x 243 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108812849