John Fowles' 1969 novel "The French Lieutenant's Woman" has become a modern classic but it is a complex novel and can be daunting to study. This accessible guide offers detailed readings of the text as well as accounts of Fowles' influences and the context of the novel's composition. It also discusses Fowles' manipulation of the story's Victorian setting and source material, and his treatment of key themes such as gender, sexuality and social class. It addresses the reviews and critical reception of the novel, and offers study suggestions and a guide to further reading. A separate section engages with the 1981 film adaptation scripted by Harold Pinter. This introduction to the text is the ideal companion to study, offering guidance on: Literary and historical context; Language, style and form; "Reading The French Lieutenant's Woman"; Critical reception and publishing history; Adaptation and interpretation; and Further reading. "Continuum Reader's Guides" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to key texts in literature and philosophy. Each book explores the themes, context, criticism and influence of key works, providing a practical introduction to close reading, guiding students towards a thorough understanding of the text. They provide an essential, up-to-date resource, ideal for undergraduate students.

About the Author
William Stephenson is Senior Lecturer in English at University of Chester. His publications include John Fowles (Northcote House).

Reviews
"Joining others in the 'Reader's Guide' series for supplemental literary study is this focus on The French Lieutenant's Woman, a novel often assigned as a complex modern classic for college-level audiences. College-level collections will find this an excellent starting point for classroom debates and discussions of the novel, offering analysis of key themes, social issues, and critical points of interest." -Midwest Book Review, March 2008
"College-level collections will find this an excellent starting point for classroom debates and discussions of the novel, offering analysis of key themes, social issues, and critical points of interest." -James A. Cox (James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief Midwest Book Review), Internet Bookwatch, March 2008 -- James A. Cox
'Students will be particularly grateful for this clear and detailed account of an impressive range of the novel's contexts, its stylistic aspects, and critical approaches to it, giving help with reading the novel itself as well as conveniently packaging the bewildering variety of readers' responses it has elicited. It packs a lot into its 128 pages.' -- Oxford Journals
'In-depth and well-written account of John Fowles [giving] a new perspective on his novels' Amazon.co.uk review of Stephenson's book on Fowles in the Writers and their Work series. * Blurb from reviewer *



Book Information
ISBN 9780826490094
Author William Stephenson
Format Paperback
Page Count 136
Imprint Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 180g