[Macdonald's "Lew Archer, Private Investigator"] covers a 30-year span. It also has an introduction by the author, in which he makes the point that the American private eye "speaks for our common humanity" and demonstrates the shift from aristocracy (as represented by such investigators as Sherlock Holmes and Lord Peter Wimsey) to democracy. Macdonald enthusiasts will be rushing to get their hands on this book, and so should everyone else.

Newgate Callendar, "Crime: 'Lew Archer, Private Investigator'," in The New York Times Book Review (© 1977 by The New York Times Company; reprinted by permission), December 18, 1977, p. 25.