What is noir pulp?

Noir pulp refers to a specific genre of fiction that emerged in the 1930s and 1940s, characterized by its dark, nihilistic tone and focus on crime and violence. These stories were typically published in cheaply-produced magazines known as pulp fiction, and often featured morally ambiguous protagonists, femmes fatales, and a gritty, urban setting.

Noir pulp was heavily influenced by the social and economic upheaval of the Great Depression and World War II, and reflected an increased awareness of the corruption and violence that plague modern society. Many of the writers who worked in this genre - including James M. Cain, Dashiell Hammett, and Raymond Chandler - were deeply critical of American culture and politics, and saw their work as a way to expose the darker side of the American dream.

Despite the cynicism and brutality of many of these stories, they remain popular with readers today, thanks in part to their vivid characters, sharp dialogue, and uncompromising worldviews. And while the heyday of noir pulp may be long gone, its influence can still be seen in the crime and thriller fiction that dominates popular culture today.