Biography

Problems of Definition. Critical neglect -- Protean variety -- When is a story not a story? -- How long is short? -- Translating terms -- Growth of a Genre. From ancient to modern -- The Romantic impulse -- Tributary Forms. Sketch -- Yarn -- Märchen -- Parable and fable -- Mixed modes -- Brevity Expanded. Novella -- Cycle -- Framed miscellany -- Essential Qualities?. 'Unity of impression' -- 'Moment of crisis' -- 'Symmetry of design'.;"First published in 1977, this book examines the short story, which is one of the most widely read of all modern genres. The study begins by examining some preliminary problems of definition before going on to trace the emergence of what is usually meant by 'the modern short story' and examine the various kinds of narrative from which it derives, such as the sketch, the yarn, Märchen, parable and fable. The final chapter considers the possibility that there are certain structural properties belonging distinctively to the short story. This book will be of interest to those studying literature and creative writing"--Publisher's website. "First published in 1977, this book explores biography in the post-Renaissance period and investigates some of the problems implicit in this literary form. The introduction considers various aspects of biographical theory as expressed by practitioners and critics. The rest of the book is a detailed examination of specific works placed in chronological context -- reflecting the author's assertion that a work of biography is inseparable from the intellectual and cultural precepts of its age. Amongst the works examined are: Plutarch's Lives, Aubrey's Brief Lives, Boswell's Life of Johnson, and Johnson's Life of Savage. This book will be of interest to students of literature and cultural history."--Provided by publisher This book provides a helpful overview of the grotesque and its use in a number of literary genres including novels, drama and poetry. After providing a historical summary of the term, the book discusses the various defining aspects of the grotesque and its relationship to other terms and modes of literature, such as satire, the comic and parody. The final chapter presents the functions and purpose of the grotesque in literature.This book will be a useful resource for those studying literary theory and literary works.. "This set of 37 volumes is a revival of the original Critical Idiom series. First published between 1969 and 1979, the volumes in this series provide concise and accessible introductions to a range of critical terms which are key to the study of literature. This set will be a valuable resource for students working with complex literary terminology."--Provided by publisher Cover -- Half Title Page -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Original Title Page -- Original Copyright Page -- Contents -- General Editor's Preface -- Prefatory Note -- 1 Some Problems of the Form -- 2 Exemplum and Anecdote -- 3 Author and Subject -- 4 Public Legends: Private Lives -- 5 Truth of Fact and Truth of Fiction -- Bibliography -- Index