Many consider 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett as the first hardboiled novel. It features a tough detective, Sam Spade, and is full of the gritty, cynical elements typical of the hardboiled genre.
I think it's 'The Maltese Falcon'. This novel introduced the hardboiled detective archetype. The protagonist, Sam Spade, has to deal with a web of lies and deceit in his search for the Maltese Falcon. Hammett's writing was a departure from the more genteel detective stories of the past. His descriptions were vivid yet unembellished, and the dialogue was sharp and to the point. This style, along with the seedy underworld it depicted, made it a prime example of the first hardboiled novel.
One strange element could be an overly complex and convoluted mystery that seems to have no logical solution at first. For example, in some hardboiled detective novels, the crime might involve a series of seemingly unconnected events and characters, which makes it really difficult for the detective to piece things together. It keeps the reader on their toes as they try to figure it out along with the detective.
Dashiell Hammett wrote what is often considered the first hardboiled novel, 'The Maltese Falcon'.
Hardboiled fiction is a genre of crime writing that features tough, cynical detectives and gritty, realistic settings.
Free hardboiled fiction is a type of literature. It's known for its hard - edged characters who face difficult situations in a rather unforgiving world. The stories usually have a sense of realism and often involve elements like crime, mystery, and a certain moral ambiguity. For example, classic hardboiled detective stories fall into this category, where the detective is a world - weary figure dealing with seedy characters and complex cases.
Hardboiled fiction typically features a world - weary hero or anti - hero. The language used is spare and to the point. It often has a fast - paced plot that keeps the reader on edge. There is a strong sense of noir, with elements like shadowy alleys, smoky bars, and dangerous femme fatales. It reflects a view of society that is somewhat jaded, where justice is not always clear - cut and the good guys don't always win.
Hardboiled crime fiction is a genre of crime writing that's known for its tough, gritty, and realistic portrayal of crime and criminals. It often features a cynical and world-weary detective as the protagonist.
One of the earliest contenders for the first scifi novel is 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It was published in 1818. It contains elements like the creation of life through scientific means, which are typical of science fiction. The story explores themes such as the ethics of playing God, the nature of humanity, and the consequences of scientific discovery. It has had a profound influence on the development of the science fiction genre, inspiring countless works that followed.
One of the early works often considered as the first historical novel is 'The Tale of Genji' by Murasaki Shikibu. It was written in the 11th century in Japan. It gives a detailed account of the Heian court life, including the relationships, politics, and cultural aspects of that era.
One of the contenders for the first fantasy novel is 'The Epic of Gilgamesh'. It has elements like mythical creatures and heroic quests that are characteristic of fantasy. It dates back to ancient Mesopotamia.
The 'The Life of Archpriest Avvakum by Himself' can also be seen as an early form of the Russian novel. Avvakum was a prominent figure in the Russian Orthodox Church. His autobiographical work gives insights into the religious, social, and cultural aspects of 17th - century Russia. It has a narrative structure and tells his life story in a vivid way.