“The English Novel” by George Saintsbury, first published in 1913, is a seminal work of literary criticism that examines the development of the English novel from its early forms to the early 20th century. Saintsbury, a renowned English critic and historian of literature, provides a detailed and scholarly analysis of the evolution of the novel as a literary form. Through this book, he traces the history of the English novel from its beginnings in the 17th century through the rise of realism in the 19th century, highlighting key authors, works, and developments that shaped the genre. The book is not merely a history but also a critical reflection on the novel’s place in English literature, its relationship to other genres, and its role in shaping societal values.

Introduction: The Origins of the English Novel

Saintsbury begins The English Novel by discussing the origins of the novel as a genre, emphasizing that the modern novel developed out of various earlier forms of prose fiction. These included romances, epics, and the prose narratives of medieval and Renaissance periods, but the novel as a distinct form of literature truly emerged in the 18th century. Saintsbury contends that the genre matured with the rise of the novel of character and the novel of manners, which distinguished it from previous narrative forms.
According to Saintsbury, it was during the 18th century that the English novel began to evolve into the form we recognize today. He refers to this period as the “birth of the modern novel,” which coincided with the growth of prose fiction that dealt with ordinary life, individual characters, and realistic plots. In this context, Saintsbury discusses the importance of individual authors who were instrumental in shaping the novel.
The 18th Century: The Birth of the Novel Saintsbury devotes a significant portion of the book to the 18th century, a period he considers critical for the development of the English novel. This era saw the rise of the novel as an established literary genre, thanks in large part to authors like Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, and Henry Fielding. These writers revolutionized prose fiction by introducing new narrative techniques, themes, and character types that reflected the changing social landscape of the time.
Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe (1719) is often cited as one of the first true English novels, and Saintsbury highlights its significance in the development of the genre. Defoe’s work introduced a strong sense of realism, with its detailed portrayal of a solitary man’s survival on a deserted island. This novel is seen as a precursor to the novel of adventure and the realistic novel, setting the stage for future developments in narrative fiction.
Samuel Richardson’s Pamela (1740) and Clarissa (1748) are also pivotal works in the history of the novel. Richardson’s focus on the psychology of his characters and the moral dimensions of their actions helped to establish the novel as a vehicle for exploring human behavior and social ethics. In Pamela, the protagonist’s struggles with virtue and temptation are explored, while Clarissa deals with the tragic consequences of moral decisions. Richardson’s work helped cement the idea of the novel as a form that could explore complex moral and psychological questions.
Henry Fielding, a contemporary of Richardson, is another key figure in the development of the English novel. Saintsbury particularly praises Fielding’s Tom Jones (1749), a sprawling and humorous novel that introduced readers to a new kind of narrative structure. Fielding’s work, with its rich character development, satirical tone, and complex plot, is seen as a major step forward in the evolution of the novel, as it balanced social commentary with entertainment and humor.
The 19th Century: The Rise of Realism and the Novel of Social Critique.
The 19th century was a period of tremendous growth and diversity for the English novel. Saintsbury highlights this period as one of the most important in the history of the genre, noting the rise of realism, social critique, and the psychological novel. In particular, the Victorian era saw the novel become a tool for addressing social issues such as industrialization, class struggle, and moral decay. This period also witnessed the flourishing of different subgenres, including the Gothic novel, the historical novel, and the domestic novel.
One of the most significant developments of the 19th century was the rise of the realist novel. The works of authors like Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and the Brontë sisters reflect a growing concern with the depiction of ordinary life, character psychology, and social conditions. Saintsbury particularly admires Dickens for his vivid portrayal of Victorian society, with its various social classes and moral dilemmas. Dickens’s David Copperfield (1850) and Bleak House (1853) are prime examples of his ability to weave intricate plots while addressing social injustices, poverty, and the abuse of power.
George Eliot’s Middlemarch (1871) is another novel Saintsbury praises for its sophisticated character development and its exploration of social and moral issues. Eliot’s work is notable for its psychological depth and its critique of Victorian society, particularly the constraints placed on women and the emerging industrial society. Middlemarch stands as a landmark in the development of the English novel for its intricate plotting and its exploration of the intersection between personal desires and social responsibilities.
The Brontë sisters—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne—are also central to Saintsbury’s discussion of 19th-century English literature. Works like Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre (1847) and Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights (1847) introduced a darker, more emotionally intense style of writing that contrasted with the moralistic tones of earlier novels. These novels focused on complex characters driven by passion and inner turmoil, breaking new ground in the portrayal of psychological conflict and romantic obsession.
Additionally, Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles (1891) and Jude the Obscure (1895) are cited by Saintsbury as important examples of the tragic, realist novel. Hardy’s works often portray the devastating effects of social constraints, fate, and personal flaws, offering a stark, pessimistic view of life and human nature.
The Novel as a Reflection of Society and Its Changing Roles.As the 19th century progressed, the novel increasingly reflected the changing social and political landscape of England. The industrial revolution, the rise of democracy, and the expansion of the British Empire all had significant impacts on literature. Saintsbury observes that the novel became a powerful means of reflecting and critiquing social realities. Many novelists, particularly in the Victorian period, used their works to expose the inequities and contradictions in society, from the harsh conditions of the working class to the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a rapidly changing world.
The social and political influence of the novel continued to grow, as more people turned to the novel for both entertainment and moral guidance. This period also saw the novel’s increasing popularity among women, both as readers and writers. Authors like Jane Austen, whose works explored the lives of the English middle class, are particularly noted for their influence on the development of the domestic novel, a genre that focused on family life and moral questions within the household.
The Transition to Modernism and the Early 20th Century.Although The English Novel ends in the early 20th century, Saintsbury offers some insights into.