This collection of essays examines the representation of subject cultures in the English novel from the 18th to the 21st century. It draws upon the work of Andreas Reckwitz and connects his sociological theories with other approaches to subjectivity. This focus is path-breaking because there exists no comprehensive literary study that discusses subject cultures and Reckwitz's concepts. The essays concentrate on points of transition between subject cultures, and demonstrate that the English novel functions as a key tool in articulating as well as negotiating concepts of modern subjectivity.