Towards Sherlock Holmes

Exploring the evolution of 19th-century crime fiction, this book delves into the genre's origins within the rapidly developing urban landscape. It highlights the shift from professional protagonists like lawyers to the emergence of detectives, examining contributions from notable writers such as Gaskell, Dickens, and Collins. The text analyzes thematic elements, social and gender roles across different eras, and the imperial influences that kept iconic characters like Sherlock Holmes relevant. Through this lens, it reveals the genre's rich and complex history.