 |
Ed (Salvatore) McBein (Lombino)American writer, author of a popular series of police detective novels.
Date of Birth: 01.01.1926
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Edward McBain: Master of the 87th Precinct Series
- The 87th Precinct: A Literary Crucible
- Evolving Characters in a Dynamic Setting
- Literary Experimentation and Dark Humor
- The Enduring Legacy of "Deaf Man"
- Ironic Prose: A Hallmark of McBain's Style
- Beyond the 87th Precinct: Matthew Hope Series
- Ed McBain: A Literary Pioneer
Edward McBain: Master of the 87th Precinct Series
Ed McBain, hailed as a literary master of ironic prose, was the pseudonym of American writer Evan Hunter, born Salvatore Albert Lombino in 1926 in New York City's Italian ghetto. Hunter's diverse experiences included naval service, education at Hunter College, and stints as a lobster salesman, jazz pianist, schoolteacher, and advertising agent.
The 87th Precinct: A Literary Crucible
McBain's groundbreaking 87th Precinct series, set in a fictional "city" modeled after New York City, introduced a team of detectives operating in a vast and diverse precinct encompassing both wealth and poverty, luxury and crime. Unlike the lone wolf heroes of many detective novels, the 87th Precinct officers worked together, their collective skills and perspectives leading to the resolution of complex cases.
Evolving Characters in a Dynamic Setting
Central to McBain's success was his ability to create characters who grew and changed over the course of the series. Steve Carella, the unflappable squad leader, became more humanized as he married and raised a family. Meyer Meyer, once estranged from his Jewish heritage, underwent a crisis of identity in the novel "J." Bennie Kling, initially a clumsy rookie, matured through personal tragedies and professional setbacks.
Literary Experimentation and Dark Humor
McBain was not afraid to experiment with narrative forms. In "Killer's Wedge," he intertwines two distinct plotlines involving an unhinged woman and a murder investigation. In "He Who Hesitates," he explored the psychology of a perpetrator rather than the detectives pursuing them. "Fuzz" presented a farce-like depiction of police work.
The Enduring Legacy of "Deaf Man"
One of McBain's most memorable creations was Deaf Man, an enigmatic figure who repeatedly escaped death and emerged from one dangerous encounter after another. This resilient character added an element of suspense and humor to the series.
Ironic Prose: A Hallmark of McBain's Style
McBain's ironic prose is evident in his ability to find humor in the darkest of circumstances. In "He Who Hesitates," a murderer confesses his crime after getting drunk. In "J," a rabbi is murdered on April Fool's Day, highlighting the absurdity of antisemitism.
Beyond the 87th Precinct: Matthew Hope Series
In 1978, McBain introduced a new series featuring Matthew Hope, a district attorney in Calusa, Florida. Each novel, titled after a classic fairy tale, involved Hope investigating crimes on behalf of his clients. These novels incorporated a greater emphasis on eroticism than the 87th Precinct series.
Ed McBain: A Literary Pioneer
Throughout his long and prolific career, Ed McBain left an indelible mark on the detective and crime fiction genres. His 87th Precinct series remains one of the most popular and enduring in history, capturing the complexities of police work, urban life, and human nature with a unique blend of realism and dark humor.
