City and Shore: The Function of Setting in the British Mystery

By Gillian Mary Hanson

Certain settings have long been a common element in British mystery and detective fiction: the quaint village; the country manor; the seaside resort; the streets of London. More than simply providing background, physical setting--in particular the city of London and the British seashore--takes on an added dimension, in a sense becoming a player in the mysteries, one that symbolizes, intensifies, and illuminates aspects of the British mystery novel.

The first section examines 18 British mystery novels set in the city of London; the second covers 15 novels set by the sea. The novels span the twentieth century; among the authors whose works are included are Agatha Christie, Graham Greene, G.K. Chesterton and P.D. James. The book includes a short biography and listing of primary works for the authors covered, and appendices offer suggested fiction utilizing the two settings, and critical nonfiction covering the genre.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786418443
• ISBN13: 9780786418442
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: McFarland & Company
• Length: 203 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher