Well, some might consider 'Water Margin' as an early form of the novel in China. It tells the stories of 108 outlaws and their lives, full of adventures, heroism, and social commentary. The vivid portrayals of the characters and their fates make it a significant work in Chinese literary history.
One of the contenders for the first Chinese novel is 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'. It is a historical novel that depicts the power struggles among the three kingdoms in Chinese history. It has complex characters, intricate plots, and has had a profound impact on Chinese literature and culture.
Another candidate could be 'Journey to the West'. Authored by Wu Cheng'en, this novel is a fantasy - adventure story. It follows the journey of the monk Xuanzang and his three disciples as they travel to India to obtain Buddhist scriptures. It is filled with magical creatures, moral lessons, and showcases Chinese religious and cultural beliefs.
One of the earliest contenders for the first scifi novel is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It was published in 1818. It contains elements like the creation of life through scientific means, which are typical of science fiction. The story explores themes such as the ethics of playing God, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of scientific discovery. It has had a profound influence on the development of the science fiction genre, inspiring countless works that followed.
One of the early works often considered as the first historical novel is 'The Tale of Genji' by Murasaki Shikibu. It was written in the 11th century in Japan. It gives a detailed account of the Heian court life, including the relationships, politics, and cultural aspects of that era.
One of the contenders for the first fantasy novel is 'The Epic of Gilgamesh'. It has elements like mythical creatures and heroic quests that are characteristic of fantasy. It dates back to ancient Mesopotamia.
The 'The Life of Archpriest Avvakum by Himself' can also be seen as an early form of the Russian novel. Avvakum was a prominent figure in the Russian Orthodox Church. His autobiographical work gives insights into the religious, social, and cultural aspects of 17th - century Russia. It has a narrative structure and tells his life story in a vivid way.
The first American novel is often considered to be 'The Power of Sympathy' by William Hill Brown, published in 1789.
Some scholars consider 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes as the first modern novel. Published in 1605, it features a self - aware protagonist who is in conflict with the world around him. It also uses humor and satire to comment on society, and has a complex narrative structure that was quite innovative for its time.
Another work that could be considered is 'Our Lady of the Flowers' by Jean Genet. It is a very complex and often controversial work. Genet was a gay writer, and this novel, with its exploration of gay subculture and homoerotic relationships, has been noted for its early and bold representation of gay themes.
Many consider 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett as one of the first noir novels. It has all the classic elements like a tough private detective, complex characters, and a seedy underworld setting.
The 'Epic of Gilgamesh' is often regarded as one of the first ever novels. It dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. It tells the story of Gilgamesh, a king who embarks on various adventures and quests for immortality. This work contains elements such as character development, a plot with multiple events, and themes that are still relevant today, like the search for meaning and the relationship between humans and the divine.