Question

Outline the factors that led to an increase in the readers of the novel in 18th century Europe.

Answer 1

Following factors were responsible for increase in the readers of novel in the 18th century Europe
(i) Introduction of circulating libraries after 1740 enabled the people to have easier and greater access to books.
(ii) Novels appealed to all the sections of society, both middle-class people like shopkeepers and clerk as well as the aristocratic and gentlemanly classes.
(iii) The novels dealt with many social issues such as love marriages, proper conduct for men and women and so on, common people were attracted towards them.
(iv) Novels became a popular medium of entertainment among women readers. Most of the novelists used the vernacular language, the language that is spoken by the common people.
(v) Improvements of technology in printing had brought down the prices of books. Innovations in marketing led to the popularity of the novels because it became quite easier to print novels in large numbers.