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Samuel Richardson, alongside Henry Fielding, is recognized as a pioneer of the traditional English novel. Richardson's groundbreaking work, "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded," published in 1740, introduced a new narrative style that focused on the inner thoughts and experiences of characters, particularly women. His epistolary format, utilizing letters to convey the story, allowed for a deep exploration of emotions and motivations, shaping the development of the novel as a literary genre.