London, 1816. A mysterious criminal mastermind known as John Devil challenges the detective powers of Scotland Yard's chief superintendent Gregory Temple. A true literary event; this is the first time in fiction that the term "detective" was used. JOHN DEVIL, written in 1863, is the first procedural thriller in the history of modern literature.
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London, 1816. A mysterious criminal mastermind known as John Devil challenges the detective powers of Scotland Yard's chief superintendent Gregory Temple. A true literary event; this is the first time in fiction that the term "detective" was used. JOHN DEVIL, written in 1863, is the first procedural thriller in the history of modern literature.
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Add this copy of John Devil to cart. $28.89, good condition, Sold by Gulf Coast Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Memphis, TN, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Hollywood Comics.
Add this copy of John Devil to cart. $28.91, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Hollywood Comics.
Add this copy of John Devil to cart. $34.31, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2005 by Hollywood Comics.
Add this copy of John Devil to cart. $55.11, new condition, Sold by Ria Christie Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Uxbridge, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2005 by Hollywood Comics.
Paul Feval's John Devil (Jean Diable) is not only a important discovery in the hisory of the mystery genre, but a rousing good read that anticipates many of the themes of modern popular literaure while being a terrific mystery and adventure tale.
Gregory Temple of Scotland Yard, the first character in ficton identified as a detective, is pitted against the mysterious JohnDevil, the king of the underworld. As their duel of wits is played out against a sprawling 19th century background Feval introduces many of the concepts that will dominate the mystery genre and popular fiction in the 20th and 21st Century --- including the duel of wits between the master sleuth and super criminal, the secret cabal of criminals posing as respectable citizens, secret identities, and police procedure pitted against the machinations of a criminal genius.
Brian Stableford, himself a noted novelist and literary historian, has provided a fine adapation and translation along with an informative overview of the historical importance of this and Feval's other too little known works. Feval, a contemporary of Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, and Eugene Sue, proves to be a wonderful teller of tales in the tradition of great pulp fiction. Add that to the historical importance of this book and and reader wanting a thumping good read should leap at the chance to read John Devil --- especially in this attractive trade paperback edition. Whether you loved The Count of Monte Cristo, Sherlock Holmes adventures, or just pure storytelling, this book is for you.
John Devil is a book every fan of mystery and adventure should find an essintial part of their library.
