A novel is a long fictional narrative that tells a story, usually in prose form and presented as a book. Novels have been part of human culture for over a thousand years and are one of the most popular forms of human expression. Key characteristics of novels include complex storylines, multiple perspectives on the narrative, and greater length and plot development than short stories. Common types of novels include commercial fiction, mysteries, science fiction, fantasy, westerns, horror, thrillers, romance, and historical fiction. Famous early novels include Don Quixote, Pilgrim's Progress, Robinson Crusoe, Gulliver's Travels, and Frankenstein.