Although Jane Austen was a great English-language novelist, I hesitate to say that she was the best. The language and expression of Tolkien and Lewis are too deep and rich to allow Jane to rule alone. That said, she has the best opening line of an English novel, which is found in *Pride and Prejudice*. But Tolkien certainly comes next with his first line in *The Hobbit*. Both authors snag the reader instantly, which very few authors can and do.
"Having thus offered you the sincere congratulations of Mrs. Collins and myself on this happy event, let me now add a short hint on the subject of another; of which we have been advertised by the same authority. Your daughter Elizabeth, it is presumed, will not long bear the name of Bennet, after her elder sister has resigned it, and the chosen partner of her fate may be reasonably looked up to as one of the most illustrious personages in this land."
Although Jane Austen was a great English-language novelist, I hesitate to say that she was the best. The language and expression of Tolkien and Lewis are too deep and rich to allow Jane to rule alone. That said, she has the best opening line of an English novel, which is found in *Pride and Prejudice*. But Tolkien certainly comes next with his first line in *The Hobbit*. Both authors snag the reader instantly, which very few authors can and do.
Maybe someday I can do a newsletter issue on Tolkien!
I certainly approve. Maybe a newsletter on the best opening lines of English literature. Or conversely, the best ending lines.
Although I would have to give it more thought, I would argue for J.R.R. Tolkien as the best English-language novelist.
I don’t think of him as a novelist . . . he’s a fairy-tale and fantasy writer . . . but maybe my definition of “novelist” is too narrow.
"Having thus offered you the sincere congratulations of Mrs. Collins and myself on this happy event, let me now add a short hint on the subject of another; of which we have been advertised by the same authority. Your daughter Elizabeth, it is presumed, will not long bear the name of Bennet, after her elder sister has resigned it, and the chosen partner of her fate may be reasonably looked up to as one of the most illustrious personages in this land."
Lots of interesting punctuation choices in there! I will address that paragraph in my next issue.