The Golden Age of detective fiction is typically considered to be the period between the two World Wars, from roughly the 1920s to the 1940s. During this time, the genre of detective fiction became extremely popular, and many of the most famous and enduring detective stories were written.

One of the key figures in this period was the “gentleman detective,” a character who was typically an amateur detective with a refined and intellectual background, and who often used his intelligence, knowledge, and wit to solve crimes.

The gentleman detective was usually an upper-class, educated person, often with a degree from a prestigious university, such as Oxford or Cambridge. He was a man of leisure, who had the time and resources to pursue his hobby of solving crimes. He was also often portrayed as being somewhat eccentric, with particular quirks and interests that added to his charm.

Notable gentleman detectives of the time include Dorothy L. Sayers’s Lord Peter Wimsey, known for his wit and charm, and Albert Campion who was created by Margery Allingham, Campion is a stylish and debonair detective who solves mysteries with his intelligence and charm. Roderick Alleyn: Ngaio Marsh’s detective is a sophisticated, well-educated gentleman who solves crimes for Scotland Yard.

Overall, the gentleman detective was a central figure in the golden age of detective fiction, and many of the most beloved and enduring characters of the genre were of this type. Their wit, charm, and intelligence have made them enduring favorites among readers of detective fiction even to this day.