Description

Book Synopsis

Crime fiction--a product of the burgeoning metropolis of the 19th century--features specialists who identify criminals to protect an anxious citizenry. Before detectives came to play the central role, the protagonists tended to be lawyers or other professionals. Major English writers like Gaskell, Dickens and Collins contributed to the genre--Fergus Hume''s The Mystery of a Hansom Cab was a best-seller in 1887--and American and French authors created new forms. This book explores thematic aspects of 19th century crime fiction''s complex history, including various social and gender roles between different time periods and settings, and the imperial elements that made Sherlock Holmes seem dynamically contemporary.

Towards Sherlock Holmes

    Product form

    £27.54

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £28.99 – you save £1.45 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 5 Aug 2026.

    A Paperback by Stephen Knight

    Out of stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of Towards Sherlock Holmes by Stephen Knight

      Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 1/30/2016 12:12:00 AM
      ISBN13: 9781476666167, 978-1476666167
      ISBN10: 1476666164

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Crime fiction--a product of the burgeoning metropolis of the 19th century--features specialists who identify criminals to protect an anxious citizenry. Before detectives came to play the central role, the protagonists tended to be lawyers or other professionals. Major English writers like Gaskell, Dickens and Collins contributed to the genre--Fergus Hume''s The Mystery of a Hansom Cab was a best-seller in 1887--and American and French authors created new forms. This book explores thematic aspects of 19th century crime fiction''s complex history, including various social and gender roles between different time periods and settings, and the imperial elements that made Sherlock Holmes seem dynamically contemporary.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account