The Hardy Boys Mysteries, 1927-1979 - by Mark Connelly (Paperback)

About the Book

In its 80+ years, the Hardy Boys series has sold more than 50 million books in 25 or more languages, and has inspired five television series and many stage plays, websites, comic books, graphic novels, and computer games. The series has shaped the way millions of American children see themselves and society, and has shaped the perceptions of America held by young people around the world. This book follows the creation and development of the series through 1979. Topics include the writing of Stratemeyer and McFarlane; the so-called "weird period"; the Cold War and the disco age; race, class and gender; family values; and law and order. Illustrations, bibliography, appendices and index.

Book Synopsis

In its 80+ years, the Hardy Boys series has sold more than 50 million books in 25 or more languages, and has inspired five television series and many stage plays, websites, comic books, graphic novels and computer games. The series has shaped the way millions of American children see themselves and society, and has shaped the perceptions of America held by young people around the world. This book follows the creation and development of the series through 1979. Topics include the writing of Stratemeyer and McFarlane; the so-called "weird period"; the Cold War and the disco age; race, class and gender; family values; and law and order. Illustrations, bibliography, appendices and index.

Review Quotes

"A solid resource...recommended"-Choice; "an engaging and thorough history of the Hardy Boys...fascinating"-School Library Journal; "a brisk, interesting read, not only for fans of the series"-Scarlet; "well-written and researched study"-Mystery Scene; "a valuable contribution to the lore of the series book"-Dime Novel Round-Up; "demonstrates nearly encyclopedic knowledge of the series' plots and recurring themes"-Children's Literature Association Quarterly; "a delight to read...fans of the Hardy Boys will thrill to get their hands on this volume"-The Bloomsbury Review.

About the Author

Mark Connelly teaches literature and film at Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he is vice president of the Irish Cultural and Heritage Center.