"The Novel; What It Is" is a critical work by F. Marion Crawford, a well-known novelist and critic. In this book, Crawford explores the nature of the novel as a literary form. He provides insights into the structure, techniques, and purposes of novel-writing.The book is a reflection on the art of storytelling and the role of the novel in literature. Crawford discusses various aspects of novel-writing, including character development, plot construction, and the relationship between the author and the reader. His analysis is informed by his own experience as a writer and his observations on the works of other novelists.