Narrative Studies across Humanities

Lang, Mengchen

This book demonstrates new perspectives on a troubled literary concept that is inextricably tied to the larger question of why literature, and narrative fiction in particular, matters. Reflecting on the complex legacy of ideas of authorship in modern literary theory, this book makes a strong case for retaining this controversial concept in literary criticism and for reformulating it in more positive terms without losing sight of its complexity, situatedness, and diverse manifestations. It does so by putting recent theories of authorship in conversation with the critical ideas and creative practices of two innovative, self-reflexive, and theoretically informed writers—Vladimir Nabokov (1899–1977) and W. G. Sebald (1944–2001). Reconceptualizing authorship along three interrelated dimensions (authorial creativity, authorial communication, and authorship as self-presentation), the book explores how the two writers’ ideas and practices contribute to ongoing debates about the notion of authorship, and how theoretical discussions of authorship in turn illuminate some of the most fascinating and challenging aspects of their creative practices.

Details

Published by: Springer

Publication Date: 2026-11-06

Format: Hardcover

ISBN-13: 9789819219650

DOI:

Dimensions: 235cm x155cm

Pages: