In Manors and Alleys A Casebook on the American Detective Film

This unique volume traces the growth and development of the most popular detectives from the lives of their creators to their transformation into screen detectives. Included are Sherlock Holmes, Philo Vance, Charlie Chan, Mr. Moto, Nero Wolfe, Perry Mason, Sam Spade, Nick and Nora Charles, and Philip Marlowe, as well as the female detectives and the more current "avenger" figures. Tuska discusses the reasons behind the persistent popularity of detectives in fiction and film, and the comprehensive historical perspective of this work helps the reader to understand why the image of the detective has changed from the embodiement of reason and the Enlightenment to the somewhat darker figure of executioner in a corrupt society.Tuska, Jon is the author of 'In Manors and Alleys A Casebook on the American Detective Film' with ISBN 9780313250071 and ISBN 0313250073.