Theory and practice of classic detective fiction /

The number of collections of critical essays on detective fiction seems endless. The central theme of these 17 essays is that a reexamination of past beliefs and approaches to the genre will inevitably provide fresh insights. The essays relate the genre to the canon of English and American literature; survey historical detective novels; and discuss theories of why people read detective novels, the nature of narrative, the postmodern detective hero, and the significance and legacy of Agatha Christie to her own time and to ours. Among the writers who come under close scrutiny are P.D. James, Anne Perry, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Ruth Rendell. The contributors include John Cawelti, Robin Woods, Janice MacDonald, Carolyn F. Scott, and Iska S. Alter. The style of the essays ranges from crisp clarity to academic exposition--but all contain much food for thought. Not as broad in content as The Art of the Mystery Story, ed. by Howard Haycraft (1946), the present thematic volume is comparable to The Cunning Craft, ed. by Ronald Walker and June Frazer (CH, Jan'91), in the way it links theory with practice. Recommended for all libraries with strong popular culture collections. J. R. Cox St. Olaf College