“Criminal reading and not only . American Detective of the First Half of the 20th Century" is a unique collection that immerses the reader in the exciting and multifaceted world of the classic American detective. The author's team, including such legendary masters of the genre as William Rollins Jr., Dashil Hammett, Mignon G. Eberhart, John Dixon Carr, Mary Roberts Reinhart, Charlotte Armstrong, and Rex Stout create a vivid and rich portraiture of an era when crime stories became not only entertainment, but also a reflection of social change. This book is a real storehouse for lovers of action-packed stories, riddles and psychological depth. It contains works that not only reveal the secrets of crime, but also make you think about the nature of human morality, justice and redemption. Each story is a separate universe filled with vivid characters, clever intrigues and unexpected denouements that keep in suspense until the last page. The reader will plunge into the atmosphere of an era when detectives and detectives fought for the truth, and the criminals were no less bright and complex than their pursuers. The book will especially appeal to fans of the classic detective, connoisseurs of action-packed stories and stories based on the realities of American society of the early 20th century. It is suitable for readers aged 16 and older who are looking for not only an exciting story, but also a deep analysis of human nature, social conflicts and moral dilemmas. This literature is perfect for those who appreciate the style of the Golden Age of Detective, when each story was carefully thought out, and the characters are alive and memorable. The topics raised in the collection concern the struggle between good and evil, the search for justice and the opposition to human weaknesses. In the works of authors such as Dashiell Hammett and Rex Stout, the skill of creating complex, multifaceted characters is clearly manifested, each of which faces internal and external conflicts. Particular attention is paid to the psychological depth of the characters, their motivations and internal struggles, which makes each story not only fascinating, but also instructive. The style of the authors of this collection is a classic of the genre, combining a dynamic plot, vivid dialogues and subtle psychological elaboration. Dashil Hammett, one of the most influential detective masters, is known for his witty and intense stories, in which each stroke is important for understanding the overall picture. Rex Stout creates complex, multi-layered stories, saturated with the atmosphere of New York and its secrets. Mary Roberts Reinhart and Charlotte Armstrong bring a female perspective on crime stories to the collection, showing that even in the world of male detectives, women can play important roles. This book is not just a collection of stories, but a real journey into an era when the American detective became an art, and his characters became symbols of the struggle for justice. It is worthy of attention not only of fans of the genre, but also of everyone who is interested in the history of literature, the development of criminal prose and the culture of America of the early 20th century. Thanks to the variety of author's styles and themes, everyone will find something special in this book for themselves. If you’re looking for a piece that combines classic style, gripping plots, and deep psychology, “Pulp Fiction and Beyond” American detective of the first half of the XX century” will be an excellent choice It’s not just a collection of short stories it’s a window into an era when crime literature reached its pinnacles and heroes became legends. Immerse yourself in this fascinating world and discover the new facets of an American detective that continues to inspire generations of readers and writers around the world.