A Dictionary of Narratology

by Gerald Prince

History, literature, religion, myth, film, psychology, theory, and daily conversation all rely heavily upon narrative. So it is hardly surprising that studies of the art of narrative abound. Narrative has a language much its own, with regularly recurring patterns, deeply established conventions for transmission, and interpretive codes, whether in a novel, cartoon, or case study. Cutting across many disciplines, narratology describes and analyzes this language, and only recently have serious attempts been made to regularize it to permit one expert to understand another. In A Dictionary of Narratology , Gerald Prince provides quick and reliable access to terms and concepts that are defined, illustrated, and cross-referenced. All entries are keyed to articles or books in which the terms originate or are exemplified. Important as the first book of its kind, A Dictionary of Narratology should prove indispensable to writers, critics, and scholars in many fields.

Genres: Theory, Literary Criticism, Reference, Nonfiction, Narrative

118 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1987

Reviews

[Gregor]

I haven't read many dictionaries yet, but this one definitely met my expectations. I expected a (naturally biased) overview of narratologist terms and hoped for some nice bibliography.
Prince delivered in a very solid way, with a selection containing too many formalist terms in my opinion, but with great cross-references and even linking the author or adjacent authors for most (if not all) terms.

At this early point of me understanding narratology as a science and history, I can say that this book contributed a big deal to my learning process.

[Jay Amari]

A great reference source, and if reading casually will certainly enlighten the reader to alternate ways that narrative functions in all levels of daily reception and process of information.

[Steven]

If you can get lost in dictionaries the way I can--I leave a trail of M&Ms behind me so I can find my way back out--the Dictionary of Narratology by Gerald Prince will be a great addition to your collection. Doubly so if you are interested in narrative theory because this dictionary of narratology terms is an essential reference. In addition to the precise and thoroughly researched terms, three features set this dictionary apart: (1) the scrupulous cross-referenceing of terms; (2) the bibliographic references to the term's source usage (or leading theorist); and (3) the comprehensive bibliography, which is itself a starting point for any research project on narrative theory.

[Jerome Lusa]

Disclaimer: I am not, nor will I likely ever be, a literary critic, the population for whom this book seems to have been written.

The book introduces many concepts under the umbrella of narratology - the study of narration in fiction. Some are parts of arcane schemes of classification (which I deftly skipped over) and others are essential to the layering of narration withing a story (indirect free discourse!). Three stars because of the lack of clear examples for many of the entries. I found myself going to Wikipedia to look up terms that I read in a dictionary - ouch!

[Leith]

i want read it .and use it