Reading the Graphic Surface: The Presence of the Book in Prose Fiction

Critically engages with the visual appearance of prose fiction where it is manipulated by authors; Reappraises the range of effects that can be created by graphic devices, and explores why literary criticism has dismissed such features; Examines problematical texts to demonstrate that an awareness of the graphic surface can make significant contributions to interpretation; Includes substantial extended readings of key works by four significant authors; Identifies and analyses the weaknesses of previous criticism and attempts to fully account for the use of the graphic surface with new interpretations of the novels