The History of the Mystery

What is a Mystery? According to Webster’s Dictionary, a mystery is any event that remains so secret or obscure as to excite curiosity. According to Webster’s Dictionary, a mystery is any event that remains so secret or obscure as to excite curiosity. In literature and drama, a mystery is a novel, story, or play containing a crime or wrong-doing and the gradual discovery of who committed the act. In literature and drama, a mystery is a novel, story, or play containing a crime or wrong-doing and the gradual discovery of who committed the act.

The First Mystery Novel Most experts agree that the first mystery story published was Edgar Allen Poe's Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841).Most experts agree that the first mystery story published was Edgar Allen Poe's Murders in the Rue Morgue (1841). That was only 162 years ago…That was only 162 years ago…

THE EARLY MYSTERIES In the early days of the mystery genre, a popular form was the short tale published in magazines.In the early days of the mystery genre, a popular form was the short tale published in magazines. By the 1940’s, listening to Mystery Theatre productions on the radio became a common pastime in many households. Usually, these productions were performed live and broadcasted right from the radio stations.By the 1940’s, listening to Mystery Theatre productions on the radio became a common pastime in many households. Usually, these productions were performed live and broadcasted right from the radio stations. From there, they mystery movie took off and became extremely popular among movie goers. They usually were based in an urban setting and involved a detective and distraught female.From there, they mystery movie took off and became extremely popular among movie goers. They usually were based in an urban setting and involved a detective and distraught female. In the 1950's, more people became exposed to mystery and detective stories when they aired as television shows. Hitchcock, Perry Mason and Dragnet, were among the first.In the 1950's, more people became exposed to mystery and detective stories when they aired as television shows. Hitchcock, Perry Mason and Dragnet, were among the first.

The Mystery Genre Today Although mysteries were still popular in the later part of the 20 th century, it wasn't until 1972 that the first bookstore opened that was dedicated entirely to mysteries.Although mysteries were still popular in the later part of the 20 th century, it wasn't until 1972 that the first bookstore opened that was dedicated entirely to mysteries. In 1999, the only type of book that was more popular than the mystery was romance.In 1999, the only type of book that was more popular than the mystery was romance.

Other COMMON Types of Mysteries Comic Books – Most super heroes are in search of a criminal or bad guy who already has committed or plans to commit an evil act.Comic Books – Most super heroes are in search of a criminal or bad guy who already has committed or plans to commit an evil act. Television Shows - There are SEVERAL fictional and real-life mystery series on T.V. right now. Some with resolution, and some with no definite answers.Television Shows - There are SEVERAL fictional and real-life mystery series on T.V. right now. Some with resolution, and some with no definite answers. C.S.I.C.S.I. S.V.U.S.V.U. Unsolved MysteriesUnsolved Mysteries