Detectionary

compiled by Otto Penzler, Chris Steinbrunner, Marvin Lachman, Charles Shibuk, and Francis M. Nevins, Jr. edited by Otto Penzler, Chris Steinbrunner & Marvin Lachman

conceived and produced by Mill Roseman

The Overlook Press, Woodstock, New York. 1977. (Second Edition). Hardcover in dust jacket. 299 pages. (6¼ X 9¼). Preface by Mill Roseman. Introduction by Chris Steinbrunner, Charles Shibuk, and Otto Penzler. Characters in mystery fiction are covered in alphabetical order with short paragraphs describing their adventures. It’s broken down into categories of detectives, rogues & helpers, cases, and movies. A final section has a listing by author and lists books of the characters. Enjoyable to leaf through, but it would benefit from an update and expansion.

The Overlook Press, Woodstock, New York. 1977. (Second Printing). Trade paperback. 299 pages. (6 X 9). This appears to be exactly like the hardcover edition.

Ballantine Books, New York. December 1980. Mass market paperback. 340 pages. (4¼ X 7). Preface by Mill Roseman. Introduction by Chris Steinbrunner, Charles Shibuk, and Otto Penzler. This edition is set up pretty much the same way as the Overlook Press edition, but minus the photos. 

Scan and Commentary by Bob Gaines