An Essay by Marcia Kiser (2003) All genre fiction provides a glimpse of life for the period in which the works are written. Science fiction shows the reader what the future may hold. Romance can, and does, give the reader insight into social customs and dress for the period covered, usually for a specific group, … Continue reading Nero Wolfe: A Social Commentary on the US
Tag: Rex Stout
Rex Stout
(1886-1975) "Compose yourself, Archie. Why taunt me? Why upbraid me? I am merely a genius, not a god." — Nero Wolfe humbly confesses, in Fer-de-Lance. At first glance, Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe might seem out of place among the hard-bitten, world-weary, pavement-pounding P.I.s to which this site is usually devoted. Massively overweight, a cranky, agoraphobic and … Continue reading Rex Stout
Davey Goldman & Bishop Francis X. Regan
Created by William F. Love (1932--) Yet another oddball team-up attempting to cash in on that ol' Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin magic, albeit with a clerical bent. And this one's a bit more strained than most. DAVEY GOLDMAN is your Jewish New York City private detective, a decent enough guy, an ex-cop, with a fondness for … Continue reading Davey Goldman & Bishop Francis X. Regan
“Apologia Pro Vita Sua”
By Rex Stout The following poem, written by Rex Stout, appeared in the August 21, 1935 issue of The New York Times, in conjunction with the then-recent publication of his second Nero Wolfe mystery. At the time, Stout was still relatively unknown, and must have been feeling a little sensitive about being pegged as a mere … Continue reading “Apologia Pro Vita Sua”
Berkeley Barnes & Larry Howe
Created by Eugene FranklinPseudonym of Eugene Franklin Bandy, Jr.(1914-1987) Here's another spin on the Nero Wolfe/Archie Goodwin formula. Pill-popping BERKELEY HOY BARNES is a New York City hypochondriac, and former lawyer turned private eye, who really doesn't like meeting people he doesn't know. He relies on LARRY HOWE to do the legwork, keep track of … Continue reading Berkeley Barnes & Larry Howe
Claudius Lyon & Arnie Woodbine
Created by Loren D. Estleman(1952--) "Are you familiar with the work of Rex Stout?" A great series of short stories by P.I. master Estleman, creator of Amos Walker, Valentino et al, is both homage and gentle parody of Rex Stout's beloved Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin. ARNIE WOODBINE is an ex-con who boasts that he's a … Continue reading Claudius Lyon & Arnie Woodbine
Sally Colt (aka Sally Corbett)
Created by Rex Stout (1886-1975) "Sally... was one of the two women who, a couple of years back, had made me feel that there might be some flaw in my attitude toward female dicks." -- Archie Goodwin SALLY COLT (sometimes known as SALLY CORBETT) is a trim, blonde, blue-eyed, Manhattan-based P.I. who appeared in several Nero … Continue reading Sally Colt (aka Sally Corbett)
Tecumseh Fox
Created by Rex Stout (1886-1975) TECUMSEH FOX is a private eye who shows up in a few novels by Rex Stout. Unlike some of his other detectives, Tecumseh is an average-looking guy, except for his "penetrating" brown eyes and his rather dapper fashion sense. Tecumseh lives and works out of a large farm full … Continue reading Tecumseh Fox
Alphabet Hicks
Created by Rex Stout (1886-1975) Best known as "that guy that created Nero Wolfe," Rex Stout managed to squeeze out a few other enjoyable gumshoes, including ALFRED "ALPHABET" HICKS, a disgraced young lawyer who blames an excess of both pride and ethics for his disbarment during his very first year of practice. Suddenly out on his keister, … Continue reading Alphabet Hicks
Nero Wolfe & Archie Goodwin
Created by Rex Stout (1886-1975) "Compose yourself, Archie. Why taunt me? Why upbraid me? I am merely a genius, not a god." --Nero Wolfe humbly confesses, in Fer-de-Lance "Go to hell, I'm reading." -- Archie has other things on his mind. Also in Fer-de-Lance At first glance, Rex Stout's NERO WOLFE might seem out of … Continue reading Nero Wolfe & Archie Goodwin