Speech in the English Novel

Since Speech in the English Novel first appeared in 1973 it has won international recognition as an important pioneering study of a topic that lies on the frontiers of literature and linguistics – the nature and function of fictional dialog and its relationship to real speech.

Drawing on a wide range of examples from many periods, the book includes general and theoretical chapters and also case-studies of particular texts, as well as a whole chapter devoted to Dickens. It has been found stimulating and useful by teachers and students in many countries, and has been praised by numerous scholars. This new edition incorporates numerous revisions, new examples and additions to the bibliographies.