Classic Literature in Modern Times?

[slj3988]

I'm working on a novella set around either 1800s London or earlier. Possibly Renaissance Italy. Using classics such as Dickens, Stoker, Conan Doyle, Stephenson and Wilde for inspiration, I am wondering what the best way to form the language is. To make it feel authentic, I want to write the story as if it came from that period.

My question is, would such language or structure by accepted by publishers today? Although, it should appeal to modern readers, I don't want it to read in modern language. I want it to feel like something unearthed that could've been published back then. For certain words and terms of phrase to be understood, they might need altering. But there's also the tone of the era. It wouldn't be authentic if I were to censor terminology suited to the time. For instance, Bram Stoker's Dracula has Jonathan Harker refer to folks beneath his station as "peasants." This is something that wouldn't pass today.

Although, it is going to be in 3rd person and less subjective, is there a middle-ground or is it best to avoid writing in that style altogether?

[Samuel Windybank]

I think the best thing you can do is write the entire novel in a more modern style, but use some terms and language of the time. The hardest part will be getting the speech correct. The educational level of the characters and their vernacular will give an authentic feel to your story.

[Bigwig1973]

I think writing a book in old(er) English would be easier than writing a book in any other language if you don't also speak or read that language. I would suggest a linguist, a historian, or even someone who makes films to try to get the language right. I meet foreigners who think I speak English very well - I actually do not speak anywhere near to proper English. Even proper, proper English might give your book the feel you are looking for.

[Folcro]

I think it's important to understand that, just like publishers nowadays are selective in what they publish, so were publishers back in the day. People always had many ways of speaking and slang is an aspect of language that dates back to the Neolithic Revolution. That is to say that authenticity has leeway, especially if you want to massage your classical language with subtle hints of modern dialect.

Also, and perhaps I'm biased as a self-published author, I wouldn't worry too much about what publishers think. That era of big-house-dominated literature is falling by the wayside.