In Victorian times, "novels" and "fiction" were still relatively recent developments. While Victorians generally praised classic literature by authors like Scott and Dickens, popular fiction - and particular the "gothic" novel that was becoming popular amongst the ladies - was met with considerable criticism. Such material was not considered "improving" to the female mind, and while today we beg our daughters to read more, Victorian mothers tended to want their daughters to read less! This section takes an often whimsical look at Victorian views toward fiction.

Heroines, by Augusta Worthen (Godey's, 1863)

A reader bemoans the cruelties inflicted by authors upon hapless heroines, who are beset with all manner of sorrows - along with a reminder that readers may find enough unfortunates to sympathize with in real life!

Abigail Shout's Protest (Godey's, 1868)

Abigail's protest is against "those authors who write books for the million and adulterate their English with whole pages of French, and Latin, and Greek, and I don't know what else, for I don't know a word of either, nor one from the another when I see it." And if you've read a bit of Victorian literature, you'll know just what she means....

The First Century of the Republic #16: American Literature, Part 1, by Edwin P. Whipple (Harper's Monthly, 1876A)

A look at the evolution of various types of literature in America.

(Read the complete series.)

The First Century of the Republic #17: American Literature, Part 2, by Edwin P. Whipple (Harper's Monthly, 1876A)

(Read the complete series.)

Penny Dreadfuls and Their Readers (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1876)

On the perils of letting young boys read penny dreadfuls: "The mischief of these periodicals lies in their extreme badness. They are thoroughly badly-written, careless, clap-trap, catch-penny, commonplace tales. This is sufficient to condemn them, though they have frequently much worse faults."

About Magnanimous-Incident Literature, by Mark Twain (Atlantic Monthly, 1878)

Twain's humorous views of "inspirational" stories and their inevitable logical outcomes - such as the noble dog who is healed by a physician and brings another injured dog to the healer's doorstep the next day... and the next... and the next...

Can Fiction Be Made a Power for Good? (Reader debate) (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1882)

In Behalf of Crime (Harper's Monthly, 1882A)

A writer in this article wonders why literature aimed at boys abounds with tales of crimes and criminals.

Pleasant Reading for Sweet Seventeen (Demorest, 1889)

An interesting overview of tastes in novels, some background behind popular novels, and what novelists are enjoyed in other countries.

Scene [from] the Realm of Fiction, by Priscilla Leonard (Century Magazine, 1895B)

The hero and heroine of the modern novel carry on a "heated discussion" of the evolution of the modern woman in literature.

The Dialect Store, by Charles Battell Loomis (Century Magazine, 1897A)

A humorous look at the trend toward tales and poetry written in dialect.

• See also Recreation: Reading

• Be sure to visit our Victorian Fiction section!