Although “novel” is today the name popularly given to any long work of fiction, it’s often useful to use the word more precisely. It’s perhaps easier to begin with what a novel is not. An epic poem is not a novel??? In the early eighteenth century. Important early developers of the novel include Daniel Defoe, Samuel Richardson, and Henry Fielding.
Note: This guide is still in the early stages of development.
Three question marks mean I have to write more on the subject. Bear with me.