Sherlock Holmes & the Birth of a Genre: A Survey of Early Detective Fiction ~ 2-sessions with Joey Otero

The game is afoot! From Poe to Doyle, Collins to Dickens, the 19th century saw the explosion of a new popular genre: detective fiction. Tropes, characters, and conventions that are well-known today appeared in the span of less than 50 years, and had become cultural touchstones by the end of the century. How did this come to pass? What captivated audiences so strongly that we still can’t get enough sleuthing stories over a century later? Join Victorianist Joey Otero in tracking down the true origins of the modern detective story and discovering some hidden gems along the way. By the end of this 3-session workshop, you’ll not only have expanded your literary horizons, but also have gained a better understanding of the entire detective genre.  *No previous experience with Sherlock Holmes is necessary to take this workshop. *Joseph Otero received his MA in Victorian Literature and Culture from the University of York in 2020, with distinction. His research interests in the middle Victorian