The author summarizes the historical development of the novel and illustrates the various recent experiments in form with examples from the entire field of modern fiction. The major portion of the book deals with the contributions made to the social life of the time and to the art of the novel by six women novelists: Sigrid Undset, Selma Lagerlof, Virginia Woolf, Ellen Glasgow, Edith Wharton, and Willa Cather. Originally published in 1941. A UNC Press Enduring Edition - UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.