The Cambridge Companion to Prose

This book focuses on the techniques of good prose writing, suitable for students of English literature and of creative writing.

Daniel Tyler (Edited by)

9781108940580, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 18 November 2021

300 pages
22.8 x 15.2 x 1.6 cm, 0.4 kg

'… this volume proves that prose is as fascinating an art form as poetry.' Karl van Heijster, De Leesclub van Alles

This Companion provides an introduction to the craft of prose. It considers the technical aspects of style that contribute to the art of prose, examining the constituent parts of prose through a widening lens, from the smallest details of punctuation and wording to style more broadly conceived. The book is concerned not only with prose fiction but with creative non-fiction, a growing area of interest for readers and aspiring writers. Written by internationally-renowned critics, novelists and biographers, the essays provide readers and writers with ways of understanding the workings of prose. They are exemplary of good critical practice, pleasurable reading for their own sake, and both informative and inspirational for practising writers. The Cambridge Companion to Prose will serve as a key resource for students of English literature and of creative writing.

Introduction: Daniel Tyler
Part I. Parts of Prose: 1. Punctuation Bharat Tandon
2. Words Garrett Stewart
3. Sentences Daniel Tyler
4. Paragraphs Jenny Davidson
5. Chapters James Williams
6. Perspective Ruth Bernard Yeazell
7. Style Michael Hurley
Part II. Prose Genres: 8. Realist Prose James Wood
9. Comic Prose Jonathan Greenberg and David Galef
10. Gothic Prose Alison Milbank
11. Science Fiction Adam Roberts
12. Travel Writing Roslyn Jolly
13. Nature Writing Richard Kerridge
14. Life Writing Jay Parini
Further Reading
Index.

Subject Areas: Literary reference works [DSR], Literary studies: general [DSB], Writing skills [CJCW], Writing & editing guides [CBW], Creative writing & creative writing guides [CBV]