Encyclopedia of Nordic Crime Fiction: Works and Authors of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden Since 1967

by Mitzi M. Brunsdale

Overview

Since the late 1960s, the novels of Sjowall and Wahloo's Martin Beck detective series, along with the works of Henning Mankell, Hakan Nesser and Stieg Larsson, have sparked an explosion of Nordic crime fiction—grim police procedurals treating urgent sociopolitical issues affecting the contemporary world. Steeped in noir techniques and viewpoints, many of these novels are reaching international audiences through film and television adaptations.

This reference guide introduces the world of Nordic crime fiction to English-speaking readers. Caught between the demands of conscience and societal strictures, the detectives in these stories—like the heroes of Norse mythology—know that they and their world must perish, but fight on regardless of cost. At a time of bleak eventualities, Nordic crime fiction interprets the bitter end as a celebration of the indomitable human spirit.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786475360
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	05/12/2016
Pages:	572
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 1.30(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Mitzi M. Brunsdale is a professor emerita of English from a small North Dakota university, and has been an adjunct lecturer in English at North Dakota State University, Fargo.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments viii
Preface
Introduction
Denmark
Finland
Iceland
Norway
Sweden
Works Cited
Index

Editorial Reviews

Brunsdale’s exhaustive resource explores the origins and impact of Nordic crime fiction. Scholars and enthusiasts will find much to enjoy in this unique resource”—Booklist; “Brunsdale has transformed her knowledge and experience into this helpful resource, which endeavors to dig beneath the often shiny Scandinavian surface to uncover issues fueling these books...valuable information not easily found elsewhere. A hefty works cited section is a highlight of this resource. Highly recommended”—Choice; “a serious work of scholarship”—Against the Grain; “in-depth...thoughtful and well-documented...highly recommended”—ARBA; “fills a welcome gap...very detailed overview of an important and popular genre...the work is a masterly contribution to the literary history of the Nordic countries”—Reference Reviews.

From the Publisher