'A remarkable achievement. An invaluable tool for understanding the Victorian literary milieu, and a first-rate bedside book as well.'"A.S. Byatt, Times Literary Supplement"

This towering work of reference on Victorian fiction captures the full range and depth of the Victorian novel.

With over 900 biographical entries, more than 600 novels synopsised, and a wealth of background material on the publishers, reviewers and readers of the age, the "Longman Companion to Victorian Fiction" is the fullest account of the period's fiction ever published. Now in a second edition, the book has been revised and enlarged, and a generous selection of images have been included to illustrate various aspects of the Victorian publishing, writing, reviewing and reading worlds. In its totality, this is the most complete anatomy of this richest of literary fields currently available.

It is also highly accessible. Organised alphabetically, the information provided will be a boon to students, researchers and all lovers of reading. The entries, though concise, meet the high standards demanded by modern scholarship. The writing - marked by Sutherland's characteristic combination of flair, clarity and erudition - is a joy to read, as well as a definitive work of reference.

The Companion; A; B; C; D; E; F; G; H; I; J; K; L; M; N; O; P; Q; R; S; T; U; V; W; Y; Z

John Sutherland is Emeritus Lord Northcliffe Professor of Modern English Literature at University College London.