'A Manual of the Art of Fiction' by Clayton Meeker Hamilton is a comprehensive guide to writing fiction. From Realism to Romance, the author draws examples from Poe, Hawthorne, and Robert Louis Stevenson to offer a step-by-step course through essential topics like plot, characters, setting, and point of view. Amongst other topics that it touches upon, the book explores the purpose of fiction and the nature of narrative, the difference between the epic, drama, and novel, and how to structure a short story. Hamilton's guide also covers the importance of style in fiction, including memorable words and the patterning of syllables. A must-read for aspiring writers and fans of fiction alike.