The Origins of the American Detective Story /
LeRoy Lad Panek.
- Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland & Co., c2006.
- vii, 227 p. ; 23 cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 219-223) and index.
The first fifty years -- Enter the great detective -- Why not cops? -- The scientist hero? -- New science and pseudo science -- Journalists and journalism -- The private eye -- Women -- Lawyers and the law -- Everybody else -- Last thoughts.
"This volume covers the formative years of American detective fiction. It examines elements including the rise and decline of police as an institution; the parallel development of private detectives; and the birth of the crusading newspaper reporter. The work also looks at the beginnings of forensic science and criminology--and consequently, the detective story"--Provided by publisher.
Detective and mystery stories, American--History and criticism. American fiction--History and criticism.--19th century American fiction--History and criticism.--20th century Crime in literature. Detectives in literature.