Details

Description

216 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages [183]-207) and index.

Contents

Introduction. A Silhouette -- Chapter One. Arriving on the Scene -- Chapter Two: A Moral Compass -- Chapter Three: A Rugged Individual -- Chapter Four: A Lone Wolf -- Chapter Five: A Person of Honor -- Selected Authors' Fictional Works.

Summary

"Crime fiction expert Susanna Lee tracks the evolution of the hard-boiled character type over time and media in the United States. She shows how crime fiction rose in popularity at times of national conflict. Readers and viewers crave the sort of grit and independence that the hard-boiled detective offers when reality may leave them feeling they lack control over their own lives. This is a study of literature and film and also a work of cultural studies"-- Provided by publisher.

Subject

Detective and mystery stories, American -- History and criticism.

Detective and mystery films -- United States -- History and criticism.

Detectives in literature.

Detectives in motion pictures.

Heroes in literature.

Heroes in motion pictures.

Toughness (Personality trait)

National characteristics, American, in literature.

National characteristics, American, in motion pictures.

Detectives in motion pictures.

Detective and mystery films.

Detective and mystery stories, American.

Detectives in literature.

Heroes in literature.

Heroes in motion pictures.

National characteristics, American, in literature.

National characteristics, American, in motion pictures.

Toughness (Personality trait)

United States.

Genre/Form

Criticism, interpretation, etc.

ISBN

9781421437095 (hardcover)

1421437090 (hardcover)

9781421437101 (electronic book)