Fergus Hume

THE MYSTERY OF A HANSOM CAB (British Mystery Series) (eBook, ePUB)

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

Fergus Hume's 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab' stands as an exemplary artifact of Victorian-era detective fiction, holding a mirror to both the genre's literary style and the societal milieu it emerged from. Hume's novel unfolds within the murky depths of Melbourne's streets, taking the reader on a suspenseful journey through a complex homicide investigation that has at its core a body discovered in the confines of a hansom cab. The narrative delves deeply into themes of social stratification, contrasting Melbourne's elite with its underbelly, while crafting a compelling whodunit that enthralls with its evocative descriptions and precise plotting. Written during a time when detective stories were burgeoning, Hume's work resonates with the influence of contemporaries like Wilkie Collins and precedes the masterful tales of Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. Behind the engrossing narrative of 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab' was Hume's own fascination with crime and the human psyche. Given Hume's background as a barrister's clerk, his narratives often echoed the precision and attention to legal detail that stemmed from his exposure to criminal cases. The realist depiction of Melbourne's society, so central to the novel's allure, underscores Hume's critical eye for class disparities, a reflection of the zeitgeist during a period of intense social change. His passion for theatre and the dramatic arts also influenced his writing, endowing the novel with dialogue that crackles and scenes that vividly portray the Victorian era's complexities. 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab' commends itself to any aficionado of classic mystery and detective literature. Readers who prize intricate character development, atmospheric settings, and plots that twist and turn with methodical suspense will find much to admire in Hume's work. This novel not only defined the genre for its time but also offers a textured historical portrait that can enrich our understanding of past social constructs. As such, Hume's opus remains a seminal read that continues to captivate students of literature and casual readers alike with its timeless intrigue and insight.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: DigiCat
• Seitenzahl: 199
• Erscheinungstermin: 30. Dezember 2023
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 8596547768784
• Artikelnr.: 69547791

Autorenporträt

Fergus Hume, born Fergusson Wright Hume on July 8, 1859, in England, was an influential figure in the development of the detective fiction genre. His most renowned work, 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab', published in 1886, established him as a pioneer in the field of crime literature. Before achieving literary success, Hume emigrated to New Zealand with his family during his adolescence, where he embarked on his education and later entered the legal profession upon relocating to Melbourne, Australia. It was here that Hume conceived 'The Mystery of a Hansom Cab' initially as a stage play but, upon witnessing the immense popularity of detective novels, adapted his work into a novel (Rowland, 2011). This book caused a sensation in Australia and, after selling out its first print run, went on to become an international bestseller, foregrounding the urban landscape of Melbourne in its richly plotted mystery narrative. Hume's literary style is characterized by intricate plots, a focus on the procedural aspects of crime-solving, and vivid depictions of the society of his time. Although Hume produced over 130 novels, none captured the public imagination as forcefully as his debut. Nonetheless, Hume's substantial body of work laid the groundwork for future generations of mystery writers and cemented his place within the canon of detective literature (Mangham, 2006).