American Crime Fiction

Exploring American crime fiction, Peter Swirski examines its role as an art form that mirrors the social and aesthetic values of both authors and readers. He argues against the notion of cultural brainwashing, emphasizing informed literary choices instead. The book delves into the careers of notable crime writers like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, highlighting the dynamic interplay between popular and highbrow literature. Through a series of thought-provoking questions, it challenges conventional perceptions of genre fiction as art.