Before Sherlock Holmes (Paperback). This item is unavailable.Before Sherlock Holmes (Paperback)

Paperback. Traditionally, the history of detective stories as a literary genre begins in the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Emile Gaboriau and a handful of other writers. The 19th century was actually awash in detective stories, though many, like the so-called detective notebooks, are so rare that they lay beyond the reach of even the most dedicated readers. This volume surveys the first 50 years of the detective story in 19th century America and England, examining not only major works, but also the lesser known--including contemporary pseudo-biographies, magazines, story papers, and newspapers--only recently accessible through new media. By rewriting the history of the mystery genre, this study opens up new avenues for literary exploration. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here. Traditionally, the history of detective stories as a literary genre begins in the nineteenth-century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, Emile Gaboriau, and a handful of other writers. The nineteenth century was actually awash in detective stories, though many, like the so-called detective notebooks, are so rare that they lay beyond the reach of even the most dedicated readers. This volume surveys the first fifty years of the detective story in nineteenth-century America and England, examining not only major works, but also the lesser known--including contemporary pseudo-biographies, magazines, story papers, and newspapers--only recently accessible through new media. By rewriting the history of the mystery genre, this study opens up new avenues for literary exploration. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…