Before Sherlock Holmes: How Magazines and Newspapers Invented the Detective Story - Paperback

by Leroy Lad Panek (Author)

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.

Author Biography

The late LeRoy Lad Panek, professor emeritus of English at McDaniel College (and "One of the most readable, prolific, and perceptive academic scholars of mystery fiction"--Mystery Scene and Edgar Award winner), was the author of a number of books about detective fiction. He lived in Westminster, Maryland.