The readers of Dime Detective

There has been some research conducted into the readership of the pulps, notably Erin A. Smith’s Hard-Boiled: Working-Class Readers and Pulp Magazines. In that spirit, with tongue firmly in cheek, I offer you this composite portrait of the readership of Dime Detective, based on the ads I saw in the magazine during my review of three issues from the 1930s, 40s and 50s.

A composite image of the audience of Dime Detective, constructed solely from the ads within
A composite image of the audience of Dime Detective, constructed solely from the ads within
No wonder the pulps died out, if their readers were such basket cases. I for one was surprised they managed to survive so long and hope the current readership is of better stock ?

3 comments

  1. Another reason that hurt circulations were the readers that were exasperated arguing with newsdealers because they tried to buy DIME DETECTIVE with a dime but the cover cost was 15 or 25 cents.

  2. That prostate problem could be cured by a device that was advertised in various pulps, the Recto Rotor. The ad said it was six inches long and would "reach your vital spot to such good purpose."

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