The Evolution of Crime Fiction

This chapter explores the rich history of crime fiction, tracing its evolution from early works like William Godwin's 'Caleb Williams' to Edgar Allan Poe's establishment of the detective story. It examines the development of fictional detectives, such as Inspector Bucket and Sergeant Cuff, and the genre's transformation in response to global events like the World Wars. The chapter highlights the interconnections between societal changes and the narratives that define crime fiction throughout its history.