In this comprehensive study, James Williamson traces the literary history of the fantasy genre from the eighteenth century to its coalescence following the success of Tolkien's work in the 1960s. While some studies have engaged with related material, there has been no extended study specifically exploring the roots of this now beloved genre. Using the Ballantine Adult Fantasy Series (1969-74) as the touchpoint in identifying what Williamson terms the pre-genre fantasy canon, The Evolution of Modern Fantasy contends that what became termed fantasy after the Tolkien boom had its beginnings in a creative literary response to eighteenth century antiquarianism.