Philosophies of Crime Fiction

Description

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 and Raymond Chandler. 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 philosophy.

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.

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 *