Publisher Description

Philosophies of Crime Fiction provides a considered analysis of the philosophical ideas to be found in crime literature - both hidden and explicit. Josef Hoffmann ranges expertly across influences and inspirations in crime writing with a stellar cast including Conan Doyle, G K Chesterton, Dashiell Hammett, Albert Camus, Borges, Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler and Ted Lewis. Hoffmann examines why crime literature may provide stronger consolation for readers than philosophy. In so doing, he demonstrates the truth of Wittgenstein's claim that more wisdom is contained in the best crime fiction than in philosophical essays.

Notes

Analyses the philosophical ideas that are found in crime literature.

Author Biography

Josef Hoffmann was Emeritus Professor of Social Law at the University of Applied Sciences Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He published books on social justice for children and on the human right to enjoy the arts. A lifelong devotee of crime fiction, he wrote numerous articles for magazines and blogs on the subject. Sadly Professor Hoffmann passed away in 2015.

Review

Penetrating and incisive -- Barry Forshaw * Crime Time *
there is much here to interest readers of crime fiction -- Geoff Bradley * CADS (Crime and Detective Stories) *
[A] splendid book * The Catholic Herald *

Long Description

Philosophies of Crime Fiction provides a considered analysis of the philosophical ideas to be found in crime literature - both hidden and explicit. Josef Hoffmann ranges expertly across influences and inspirations in crime writing with a stellar cast including Conan Doyle, G K Chesterton, Dashiell Hammett, Albert Camus, Borges, Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler and Ted Lewis. Hoffmann examines why crime literature may provide stronger consolation for readers than philosophy. In so doing, he demonstrates the truth of Wittgenstein's claim that more wisdom is contained in the best crime fiction than in philosophical essays.

Description for Sales People

Groundbreaking book from an internationally respected writer / academic who has a deep and unique expertise on crime. Hoffmann references a who's who of top crime writers - Conan Doyle, Chesterton, Camus, Borges, Chandler and Lewis. Provides an utterly fresh understanding of the philosophical ideas which underpin crime fiction. Shows how the insights supplied by great crime writers enable key philosophical ideas to be appreciated. Confirms how much more accessible crime writers are than their philosophical counterparts.

Details