The Heirs of Anthony Boucher A History of Mystery Fandom by
Marvin Lachman
pbk out December 05
(Poisoned Pen Press)
at £9.5
This terrific book, sub-titled 'A History of Mystery Fandom', provides a detailed
account of fan culture in the field of detective fiction and is written with the authority
of a man who has contributed more than most to that culture. Lachman gives accounts
of innumerable mystery conventions, notably glitzy Bouchercons, named after the
legendary American critic Anthony Boucher. In addition he describes a wide range of
fan magazines, from the late and lamented 'The Armchair Detective' to current and
excellent journals such as 'Deadly Pleasures', 'Mystery Scene' and Britain's own,
splendid 'CADS'. The Tangled Web UK website properly earns an approving
mention, although the emphasis is on print publications rather than websites.
Lachman has undertaken extensive research, but crucially he has participated in many
of the significant mystery fan activities of the past thirty-odd years. He even gives an
account of a quiz in which he and I participated in Nottingham a decade ago. I learned
a great deal from this book, and I recommend it to anyone keen to know more about
the background to the genre.
(
Martin Edwards
- author of the highly acclaimed Harry Devlin Mysteries)
The Heirs of Anthony Boucher A History of Mystery Fandom by
Marvin Lachman
