Over 1500 pages of the literature that led up to the explosion of the novel as the new literary art form. What would Austen have read? Starting with "Some Writers of the Restoration," moving through the 18th c., includes selections from Pope, Johnson, Fielding, Richardson, Lady M W Montagu, Walpole, Dryden, Defoe, Boswell, Cowper, Swift, many more. The editors say they gave more space to satire and comedy and a bit less to the sentimental in this collection. There are letters, diaries, poems, prefaces, excerpts from The Rambler, and extracts from novels. Unfortunately, the great women novelists did not make the cut. Lots of helpful notes throughout. Excellent condition but for some very light pencil underlining in a few spots. Bright red cloth with gilt titles, looks new.   Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers. 1969. Hb. USED. $16.00