Description
Shot from All Sides
Book Summary
A fascinating journey through the origins and evolution of crime and detective fiction, from its beginnings to the 1970s. Àlex Martín Escribà and Jordi Canal i Artigas explore the multiple labels and subgenres that make up this macro-genre: from the mystery novel and armchair detectives to metaphysical crime fiction, the locked-room mystery, and criminal masterminds. A reference work for understanding how crime literature has traced diverse paths throughout history.
What is it about?
The book examines the different movements and labels that defined crime and detective fiction during its classic era. Through a detailed analysis, the authors break down subgenres such as the mystery novel, where the reader becomes the detective; metaphysical crime fiction, which questions the very nature of crime; the locked-room mystery, one of the most fascinating challenges for any writer; the gentleman thief, who defies moral conventions; and criminal masterminds, figures who transcend mere criminality to become literary myths. The work offers a panoramic view of a genre that has constantly evolved, adapting to social and cultural changes.
Main themes
- Historical evolution of crime and detective fiction from its origins to the 1970s.
- Analysis of classic subgenres: mystery novels, armchair detectives, and locked-room mysteries.
- Study of archetypal figures such as the gentleman thief and criminal masterminds.
- Exploration of metaphysical crime fiction and its impact on crime literature.
- Contextualization of the macro-genre and its multiple literary labels.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is ideal for readers passionate about crime and detective fiction who want to deepen their historical and structural knowledge. It is also particularly useful for literature students, genre writers, and literary critics interested in understanding the roots and ramifications of a macro-genre that has captivated millions of readers. Recommended for those who enjoy analyzing classic works and discovering connections between different literary movements.
What this book offers
- A structured guide to navigating the complexity of crime literature and its labels.
- Keys to understanding the evolution of the genre from its origins to the 1970s.
- Detailed analysis of the most emblematic subgenres and their distinctive characteristics.
- Historical and literary context that enriches the understanding of classic works.
- A reference tool for anyone interested in literary criticism of the crime genre.
Technical specifications
- Author: Martín Escribà, Àlex; Canal i Artigas, Jordi
- Publisher: Editorial Alrevés
- Language: Catalan
- Subject: Literature and literary studies, literary studies: fiction, novelists and prose writers, literary manuals, book reviews and guides
- Collection: Non-fiction
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: June 2019
- Number of pages: 254
- Weight: 517 g
Editorial assessment
A rigorous and well-documented work that offers a complete view of classic crime and detective fiction. The authors manage to synthesize decades of literary evolution into an accessible volume, ideal for both specialists and enthusiasts who wish to understand the roots of a genre that never stops reinventing itself. Its clear structure and encyclopedic approach make it an essential reference for any library on crime literature.