Russian Pulp: The Detektiv and the Russian Way of Crime

The detektiv, Russia's version of the murder mystery, has conquered what in Soviet days loved to call itself 'the most reading nation on earth.' The first full-length study of the genre, Russian Pulp vividly illustrates how Russians understand law-breaking and crime, policemen and criminals in ways wholly different from those of Westerners. After explaining why solving a crime is always a social function in Russia, Anthony Olcott examines the staples of thrillers-sex, theft, and murder-to demonstrate that Russians see police officer and criminal, thief and victim, as part of a single continuum: all are products of human imperfection. Offering a unique window into Russian society and culture, this book is intended for all students of Russia, from those making first acquaintance to those who have worked for years to understand this puzzling country and its people.

Anthony Olcott is associate professor of Russian at Colgate University. He is the author of several mystery novels, including the Edgar-nominated Murder at the Red October.