The document summarizes the history and development of the novel genre. It discusses how novels originated in the 18th century with the emergence of the middle class and focus on human characters. It then describes the rise of historical novels in the 19th century led by writers like Walter Scott. The document also outlines the major developments in the English novel from the 18th-20th centuries, including the influence of romanticism, Victorian novelists focusing on middle and working class stories, and 20th century novels reflecting world events like wars and political issues.