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Crime Fiction: A Very Short Introduction

Richard Bradford

May 2015

ISBN: 9780199658787

152 pages
Paperback
174x111mm

In Stock

Very Short Introductions

Price: £8.99

Since the mid-19th century crime fiction has been one of the most popular sub-genres of the novel. In this Very Short Introduction, Richard Bradford explores its origins and the features that define its varied style. He considers its role in popular culture around the world and considers why its classification as 'literature' is still ambiguous.

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Description

Since the mid-19th century crime fiction has been one of the most popular sub-genres of the novel. In this Very Short Introduction, Richard Bradford explores its origins and the features that define its varied style. He considers its role in popular culture around the world and considers why its classification as 'literature' is still ambiguous.

  • Tells the story of crime fiction, discussing what features define the genre and how it has developed
  • The first account to consider how crime fiction has developed beyond Britain and the USA
  • Includes an examination of crime fiction in comparison to spy fiction, legal dramas, and thrillers
  • Poses questions about crime fiction's status as a brand of popular culture rather than legitimate 'literature'
  • Part of the best-selling Very Short Introductions series - over seven million copies sold worldwide

About the Author(s)

Richard Bradford, Research Professor of English at the University of Ulster

Richard Bradford is Research Professor of English at the University of Ulster and has taught previously in Oxford, the University of Wales and Trinity College, Dublin. He has published twenty-one books on a variety of topics, including Russian Formalism, Stylistics, 18th Century Criticism and the History of English Poetry. He has written several books including a biography of Philip Larkin (Peter Owen Ltd, 2001).

Table of Contents

    1:Origins
    2:The two ages: Golden and Hard Boiled
    3:Transitions
    4:International crime fiction
    5:Gender
    6:Cousins of crime: spy ficiton, the thriller, and legal drama
    7:Epilogue: Can crime fiction be taken seriously?
    Further reading
    Index

Reviews

"the "fine dining" of literature" - Ruth Ginarlis, Newbooks Magazine

"This is a fine introduction to a genre that embraces humanity in its flaws and glories, and it should find its way onto the bookshelves of anyone who likes crime fiction, or fiction in general." - Ben Macnair, Nudge.com

"... this tidy little read-in-an-evening item will explain and enhance your affection for murder, open your eyes to new authors and have you reaching for the bookshelves for another fix, assured that you're right in the read afterall." - Sunday Sport, Jon Wise

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