Bloody murder;: From the detective story to the crime novel: a history

First edition. Julian Symons, familiar with detective and crime novels from the viewpoint of both author and critic, has produced a history of the genre that is both informative and full of lively comment. He traces its development from the early eighteenth century to modern times, examining the influences of societal standards and political changes. This book will instruct and entertain all lovers of fictional crime, whether their taste is for the cozy style of Agatha Christie, the craftsmanship of a Dorothy L. Sayers mystery, or the hard-boiled world of Mickey Spillane. Indices of books and short stories, and of authors and names. 254 pages. cloth, dust jacket.. small 8vo..