Crime fiction has been one of the most popular genres since the 19th century but has roots in works as varied as Sophocles Herodotus & Shakespeare In this Very Short Introduction Richard Bradford explores the history of the genre by considering the various definitions of 'crime fiction' & looking at how it has developed over time Discussing the popularity of crime fiction worldwide & its various styles; the role that gender plays within the genre; spy fiction & legal dramas & thrillers; he explores how the crime novel was shaped by the work of British & American authors in the 18th & 19th centuries Highlighting the works of notorious authors such as Edgar Allan Poe Conan Doyle Agatha Christie & Raymond Chandler
- to name but a few
- he considers the role of the crime novel in modern popular culture & asks whether we can & whether we should consider crime fiction serious 'literature' ABOUT THE SERIES The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly Our expert authors combine facts analysis perspective new ideas & enthusiasm to make interesting & challenging topics highly readable