The Truman Gumshoes: The Postwar Detective Fiction of Mickey Spillane, Ross Macdonald, Wade Miller and Bart Spicer

The hard-boiled style of detective fiction originated in America after the First World War, and a new generation of young writers in the late 1940s explored new directions for the genre. This book examines the work of four important writers of this generation, focusing on the theme of the detective as a loner who succeeds in discovering truth and achieving justice outside of organized social structures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The hard-boiled style of detective fiction, which originated in America in the years following the First World War, experienced a significant transformation in the late 1940s. This period marked a significant shift in the literary landscape, influenced by the aftermath of the Depression, the New Deal, and the Second World War. A new generation of young writers emerged, eager to reexamine the conventions governing the fictional private eye and explore new directions for this iconic character.

The tough detective, traditionally portrayed as a male figure, began to evolve, and his world was expanded in innovative ways. This book delves into the work of four of the most influential writers of this second generation of hard-boiled fiction. It provides the first comprehensive literary analysis of the Max Thursday novels by Wade Miller and the Carney Wilde novels by Bart Spicer. Furthermore, it offers fresh perspectives on the well-known Mike Hammer novels by Mickey Spillane and the Lew Archer novels by Ross Macdonald.

A central theme explored in this book is the detective's status as a solitary figure who excels in uncovering truth and achieving justice by operating outside established social structures. The authors of these novels sought to challenge traditional narratives and explore the darker aspects of human nature, often depicting the private eye as a flawed and vulnerable protagonist navigating a complex and morally ambiguous world.

Through their meticulous storytelling and vivid characterizations, these writers breathed new life into the genre of detective fiction, leaving a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. Their contributions to the hard-boiled tradition continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling and the enduring appeal of the private eye as a timeless archetype.

Weight: 275g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476688022