With reference to selected English novels this book undertakes a detailed examination of the image of the artist prevalent in contemporary novels and the extent to which this image differs from those of earlier epochs. Of major significance in this connection are the radical transformation in notions about what constitutes art and the disavowal of the concept of the creative subject in post-structuralism. These two aspects also characterize the contemporary artist's effort to come to terms with the artistic legacy of the past. Affirmation of tradition and respect for the creative powers of renowned predecessors such as Shakespeare appear cheek by jowl with confessions of personal mediocrity. The image of the artist informing the novels discussed here is a portrait both of the fear of artistic failure and of the artist's yearning for genius.