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

by LeRoy Lad Panek

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786467877
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	10/13/2011
Pages:	227
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Introduction     

1. Life Before Detectives     
2. Edgar Allan Poe     
3. Notebooks     
4. Charles Dickens     
5. Collins and the Sensation Novel     
6. Magazines and Family Story Papers     
7. Newspaper Detectives     

Selected Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

this is a truly original volume with an unusual premise...this book is a must for those with a serious interest in detective fiction. Highly recommended”—Choice; “his research will revise, and enrich, all our thinking about the history of the detective story”—The Washington Post; ““one of the most readable, prolific, and perceptive academic scholars of mystery fiction...few academic mystery scholars are as readable and learned and surely none is as prolific as Panek...indispensable”—Mystery Scene.

From the Publisher

"few academic mystery scholars are as readable and learned and surely none is as prolific as Panek...indispensable"

Mystery Scene

his research will revise, and enrich, all our thinking about the history of the detective story

The Washington Post

this is a truly original volume with an unusual premise...this book is a must for those with a serious interest in detective fiction. Highly recommended

Choice

[Panek's] research will revise, and enrich, all our thinking about the history of the detective story.
—The Washington Post

Michael Dirda