Philosophies of Crime Fiction

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. Josef Hoffmann's combination of knowledge, academic acuity and enthusiasm makes this a must-have book for any crime fiction aficionado - with or without a philosophical nature.

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.