Dictionary of Detective Fiction 1841–2005

Description

TULARD Jean. *Dictionnaire du roman policier 1841-2005*. Paris: Fayard, 2005. Large octavo in stiff wrappers (235x150 mm), 768 pp. A comprehensive reference work tracing the evolution of detective fiction from its mid-19th-century origins with Edgar Poe to 2005. The genre, spanning all major languages, explores universal human passions—wealth, power, sex, hatred—through intricate plots, social commentary, and atmospheric tension. From classic detectives to criminal masterminds, espionage intrigues, and nightmarish scenarios, the dictionary covers 2,253 entries detailing authors, works, publishers, characters, archetypes, and themes, enriched with extensive bibliographic and filmographic references. A definitive resource for both enthusiasts and casual readers of detective fiction.