Which novel is known as the first work of art in the history of english fiction?

Answer 1

I don't know if it considered a novel but Beowulf is the first acknowledged work in the history of English fiction. As far as what served as a future prototype for today's novel- it is believed it is "Le Morte D'Arthur" by Thomas Malory but no one is certain that's true. That is why I suggest (if it's for school) Beowulf is the answer you are looking for. It may be prose fiction but it is historically recognized for being the first work of English literature

Answer 2

The Canterbury Tales was certainly one of the first important pieces of literature written in the English language. I guess it could be considered a novel, even though it's written in verse.

Answer 3

If you mean, what's the first "good" novel in English, well, "good" would be relative.
Try this web site:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_novel_in_English

Answer 4

I think it's Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'