“Long books, when read, are usually overpraised, because the reader wishes to convince others and himself that he has not wasted his time.”

Aspects of the Novel complies a series of lectures delivered by E.M. Forster at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1927, and offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the novel as a literary form.

Forster dissects the various elements that constitute the novel—story, characters, plot, fantasy, prophecy, pattern and rhythm – using examples from authors as diverse as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and James Joyce, providing insights that will resonate with readers and writers and discussion of the nuances that define successful storytelling.

Aspects of the Novel remains a foundational text in the study of literature, inviting the audience to reflect on the characteristics of novels as an evolving literary form and reflecting on its joys and complexities.

Edward Morgan Forster (1879–1970) was an influential English novelist, essayist, and critic, known for his insightful observations on society and human relationships. He is often recognised as a prominent humanist writer, which reflects in both his literary works and his philosophical outlook; his books highlight the constraints that societal norms impose on individuals and advocate for greater empathy and understanding across class lines. His most famous novels include A Room with a View, Howards End, and A Passage to India, and his posthumously published novel Maurice revealed his identity as a gay man and his belief in the necessity of allowing individuals to live authentically.