Ellipsis in English Literature

Signs of Omission

By: Anne Toner

Write A Review

Paperback | 13 July 2017

At a Glance

Paperback
266 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.86 x 15.24 x 1.42

Paperback

RRP $59.95

$57.50

or 4 interest-free payments of $14.38 with

Aims to ship in 7 to 10 business days

Anne Toner provides an original account of the history of ellipsis marks - dots, dashes and asterisks - in English literary writing. Highlighting ever-renewing interest in these forms of non-completion in literature, Toner demonstrates how writers have striven to get closer to the hesitancies and interruptions of spoken language, the indeterminacies of thought, and the successive or fragmented nature of experience by means of these textual symbols. While such punctuation marks may seem routine today, this book describes their emergence in early modern drama and examines the relationship between authors, printers and grammarians in advancing or obstructing the standardisation of the marks. Their development is explored through close study of the works of major English writers, including Jonson, Shakespeare, Richardson, Sterne, Meredith and Woolf, along with visual illustrations of their usage. In particular, Toner traces the evolution of ellipsis marks in the novel, a form highly receptive to elliptical punctuation.

Industry Reviews

'This is a fine book, written with wit, flair, and brio. Economy gives its argument the verve and tautness of an essay, while Toner's rich range of reference reverberates much farther.' Kathryn Sutherland, Cambridge Quarterly
'[Toner] does not pursue a handful of extensive close readings or author-centred chapters: she sprints with wonderful concision and economy through five centuries of English literature ...' Owen Boynton, Essays in Criticism

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.