Wilkie Collins, Vera Caspary and the Evolution of the Casebook Novel - by A B Emrys (Paperback)

About the Book

"Wilkie Collins was one of the most popular novelists during England's Victorian era. This critical study explores his formal ingenuity, particularly the novel of testimony constructed from epistolary fiction, trial reports, and prose monologue. This text explores how the formal dialogue between Collins and Vera Caspary has linked sensation fiction with noir thrillers and film noir" --Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Wilkie Collins was one of the most popular novelists during England's Victorian era. While Collins scholarship has often focused on social issues, this critical study explores his formal ingenuity, particularly the novel of testimony constructed from epistolary fiction, trial reports and prose monologue. His innovations in form were later mirrored by Vera Caspary, who adapted The Woman in White three times into contemporary fiction. This text explores how the formal dialogue between Collins and Caspary has linked sensation fiction with noir thrillers and film noir.

Review Quotes

"a clearly written scholarly trek over fresh critical ground...this is one of the year's best books of mystery scholarship and deserves strong Edgar consideration"-Mystery Scene Magazine.

About the Author

A.B. Emrys is professor emeritus of English at the University of Nebraska-Kearney. She lives in Winter Park, Florida.