Long accepted as the unchallenged theory for the development of the novel. Watt describes how changing social conditions and changing publishing and literary practices moved hand-in-hand with the development of the novel as it took its place as the dominant literary form. He sets the stage, then dives deep into Defoe, Richardson, and Henry Fielding, while discussing other authors. He shows how Burney and Austen deal with the problems Richardson and Fielding left, and crowns Austen with the ultimate achievement. A few underlines from previous owner, very light foxing on page edges. Very good condition. University of California Press. 1957. Hb, Dj. USED. $8.00