Introduction to Contemporary Fiction: International Writing in English since 1970 - Softcover

This volume provides a comprehensive introduction to fiction in the English-speaking world during the period from 1970 to the present day. During this period, a sea change has transformed fiction in English, and this collection introduces the key developments as well as the works of some of the most important writers today.

The book has a truly international scope, as it draws togetherthe work of critics concerned with British, Irish, North American,African, Indian and Australasian writing. Thirteen scholars havecombined forces to discuss a wide variety of texts, authors, themesand issues. Fictional works are discussed in relation to differenthistorical, theoretical and political issues, includingpostmodernism, postcolonialism, ethnicity, gender and genre. Theworks of several major and sometimes notorious figures areintroduced and skilfully analysed, including those of Martin Amis,Samuel Beckett, William S. Burroughs, J. M. Coetzee, Don DeLillo,James Kelman, Ian McEwan, Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie, MurielSpark, Graham Swift, Alice Walker, Alan Warner and JeanetteWinterson.

A stimulating introduction for students of contemporary fiction,this volume provides a balanced and well-informed view of variousliterary works and key issues in the cultural and criticalagenda.