Understanding Jonathan Coe

"Following his stimulating titles in the same series on Julian Barnes, Kingsley Amis, and Michael Frayn, Merritt Moseley's new study is a comprehensive and reader-friendly overview of Jonathan Coe's major works, themes, and narrative techniques, as well as a helpful guide to the essential criticism on the author's books."—Vanessa Guignery, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Lyon

"A rich and absorbing book that covers Coe's novels, short stories, and non-fiction, insightfully explores their key themes and techniques, and sets them skilfully in their literary, cultural, and political contexts. It is invaluable both for newcomers to Coe and readers who know his work but want to learn more."—Nicolas Tredell, University of Sussex

"Merritt Moseley's Understanding Jonathan Coe is a clear, well-structured critical introduction to the author's oeuvre, offering a range of detailed readings that both students and general readers will find indispensable in understanding and contextualizing Coe and his writing. This most informative volume makes a vital contribution to literary studies by espousing the work of a writer who deserves far more attention from readers and scholars alike."—Philip Tew, Brunel University London

"Merritt Moseley's Understanding Jonathan Coe is informed, astute, and superbly readable. This portrait of one of Britain's quirkiest postmoderns successfully 'enhance[s] appreciation and enjoyment of the novels' and introduces his biographical writing and literary journalism. In the process of clarifying Coe's political engagement, humor, and metafictional style, Moseley offers a multifaceted, compelling account of an oeuvre that is as formally daring as it is timely."—Ana-Karina Schneider, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu

"A fascinating study of Coe's work by one of the most admired critics working today. Accessible but authoritative, it provides thought-provoking discussion of the whole oeuvre from the Bogart biography to the experimental later works. The book will be essential reading for anyone wishing to deepen their engagement with this outstanding contemporary writer."—Jago Morrison, Brunel University

"Merritt Moseley has written the ideal introduction to Jonathan Coe. He surveys the full range of Coe's writings with great verve and panache. Acute in its perceptions, adroit in its judgements, and thoroughly engaging and entertaining, this fine, scholarly study offers a lively, authoritative assessment of an important contemporary novelist."—Chris Walsh, University of Chester