Textual Communication: A Print-Based Theory of the Novel

Textual Communication, published in 1991, explores the novel's character and development from Richardson to Nabokov in relation to the printing and publishing industry. It combines literary theory with a historical analysis of communication, addressing issues such as censorship, literary conventions, and language. It defines textual communication as a form of interaction between the author and the reader, navigating the challenges of the book market and other forms of censorship.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Textual Communication, first published in 1991, delves into the evolution of the novel from Richardson to Nabokov in the context of the printing and publishing industry. This comprehensive work combines literary theory with a historical analysis of communication, pushing the boundaries of the debate on the novel beyond the pioneering work of Booth and Genette. It responds to and challenges the writings of Foucault, Baudrillard, McLuhan, and Barthes, while offering a fresh perspective on the genre.

The book employs Lacan's theory of the divided subject to define textual communication as a dynamic form of interaction. It explores how two distinct subjects, the author and the reader, navigate the complexities of communication within the constraints of the book market, censorship, literary conventions, and language. Through meticulous analysis, Textual Communication sheds light on the strategies employed by novelists throughout different historical periods to address the challenges of communication and convey their messages effectively.

The book also identifies critical moments in the history of the novel when new narrative strategies emerged, placing them within the broader context of the communication environment in which the texts were produced. By examining the structures of the industry that manufactured and marketed novels, Textual Communication provides a deep understanding of the mechanisms that shaped the development of the novel and its relationship with the broader cultural landscape.

In conclusion, Textual Communication is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the novel's evolution and its relationship with the printing and publishing industry. By blending literary theory with a historical analysis of communication, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the genre, challenging readers to think critically about the ways in which novels communicate and the impact they have on society.

Weight: 489g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367743239