Hardboiled crime fiction came of age in 'Black Mask' magazine during the Twenties and Thirties. Writers like Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler learnt their craft and developed a distinct literary style and attitude toward the modern world.
As a kid I did want to be an old-timer since they were the ones with the big stories and the cool clothes. I wanted to go there. Now I guess I want to bring that with me and go back in time.