A History of the French Novel, Vol. 1 / From the Beginning to 1800

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26838

Title

A History of the French Novel, Vol. 1 / From the Beginning to 1800

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

George Saintsbury's definitive history traces the French novel from its origins to 1800, arguing that the genre's evolution is inseparable from the pleasure it provides readers. Rejecting rigid distinctions between romance and novel, this work offers a comprehensive survey of major and minor practitioners, blending rigorous scholarship with an appreciation for the literary spirit.

Summary up to 500 words

In *A History of the French Novel, Vol. 1*, George Saintsbury presents a comprehensive chronicle of the genre's evolution from its medieval origins to 1800. Rejecting the traditional separation between romance and the novel, Saintsbury argues that the history of the *roman* is fundamentally a history of readerly pleasure. He extends the definition of the novel to include early verse romances, asserting that omitting minority voices or experimental forms results in an imperfect understanding of the literature. The text surveys a vast array of authors, beginning with medieval troubadours and the creators of *Aucassin et Nicolette* and *Partenopeus*. Saintsbury highlights the enduring appeal of these works, noting their influence on later fiction and their ability to communicate literary joy. He moves through the giants of the seventeenth century, such as Honoré d'Urfé and his masterpiece *L'Astrée*, which he analyzes for its narrative structure and exploration of polyerotism. The survey continues into the eighteenth century, examining the works of masters like Lesage, Marivaux, and Prévost. Saintsbury provides detailed analyses of key texts, including *Gil Blas* and *Le Paysan Parvenu*. He praises Lesage for representing human life as it is, with a sharp, shrewd wit that saturates the narrative. Regarding Marivaux, he acknowledges the author's complexity and unfinished works, yet celebrates the originality of *Le Paysan Parvenu* as a clever portrait of the French peasant. Throughout the volume, Saintsbury emphasizes the importance of detailed story abstracts and the capacity of these novels to entertain. Drawing on decades of research and reading, including his contributions to the *Saturday Review* and the *Encyclopædia Britannica*, he offers a nuanced perspective that values both critical judgment and the stories' enduring charm. The book serves as both a scholarly history and a celebration of the novel's power to engage readers across centuries.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Fiction