One of the highly regarded works on the history of the British novel could be 'The Cambridge History of the English Novel'. It comprehensively covers different periods, from the early beginnings to modern times, exploring various genres, authors, and their significance in the development of the British novel.
For a British gangster novel to be considered the best, it needs to capture the essence of the British criminal underworld. This means showing the unique culture, language, and social hierarchies within it. Take 'The Firm' for instance. It shows how family ties and loyalty play out in the gang world. The pacing is also crucial. A good gangster novel like 'Shoot to Kill' keeps you on the edge of your seat. And of course, the exploration of themes like power, greed, and revenge, which are often central in books like 'King of Thieves' and make them stand out.
The contemporary British and American literary works and best-selling British and American novels are as follows:
1. contemporary British and American literature works:
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- 《1984》(Nineteen Eighty-Four) by George Orwell
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by JK Rowling
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
- Snow White by Kawabata Yasunari
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Colombia Marquez
2 Best-selling British and American novels:
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
- Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
- Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
- A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin
- Doctor Strange by Marvel Comics
- Black Widow by Marvel Comics
- The White Tiger by Liu Cixin
- The Wandering Earth by Liu Cixin
- The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin
- Snow White by Kawabata Yasunari
Many scholars could potentially write an excellent history of the British novel. For example, Ian Watt, with his in - depth knowledge of literary history and theory, might be able to create a great one. His work on the rise of the novel has been highly influential, so he could bring that expertise to a more comprehensive history.
A great post - modern british novel often challenges traditional narrative structures. For example, it might use non - linear storytelling like in 'Trainspotting'. It also plays with the concept of truth and reality. 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' does this by presenting different endings. And it usually engages with contemporary cultural and social issues, such as 'White Teeth' does with multiculturalism.
'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley is also among the top. It delves into the themes of creation, monstrosity, and the consequences of playing God. The desolate landscapes and the tortured creature add to the gothic atmosphere.
One of the best is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in 19th - century England through the relationship of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Another great one is '1984' by George Orwell, which is a dystopian novel that warns about totalitarianism. And 'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf is also highly regarded for its stream - of - consciousness narrative and exploration of time and human relationships.
One of the best is 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' by John le Carré. It's a complex and masterfully written story of Cold War espionage, full of intrigue and well - developed characters.
Definitely 'Vanity Fair' by William Makepeace Thackeray. It satirizes the upper - class society in the early 19th - century England. The characters are complex and the plot is full of twists. 'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell is very good too. It shows the contrast between the industrial north and the rural south in England at that time. And 'The Return of the Native' by Thomas Hardy is a great work, set in the fictional Egdon Heath and exploring themes of love, fate, and nature in the late 19th - century rural England.