In one of the early Spenser novels, n fact, Spenesr is reading Bart Giamatti's lovely book on Spenser, "Play of the Double Senses." Bill
William Oram
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>>> David Miller <[log in to unmask]> 02/04/09 6:28 AM >>>
Can I toss in a lowbrow reference? The detective series by Robert
Parker runs to more than twenty very funny, well-written novels, all
concerning the crime-solving exploits of a Boston PI who introduces
himself simply as "Spenser. With an 's,' like the English poet."
The main link is of course that Spenser and his assorted allies
(notably Hawk) adhere to a distinctive ethical code--they kill when
they have to, but work on behalf of the weak and victimized. So it's
sort of a noir chivalry. Parker is a direct literary descendant of
Dashiell Hammett, but there's a fascinating Spenserian note to the
bouquet.
This series was, of course, the source for the 1980s TV series
"Spenser for Hire."
DM
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