dime novel

Dime Novels: A Journey into the Action-Packed World of Classic Pulp Fiction

If you're a fan of thrilling adventures, gripping tales, and unforgettable characters, then dime novels are the hidden gem you've been waiting for. These pocket-sized wonders have captivated readers for decades, telling stories that transport us to a time when action-packed storytelling reigned supreme. In this article, we'll dive into the world of dime novels, exploring their history, popular authors, and where you can find these treasured literary gems today.

Dime novels, also known as penny dreadfuls or shilling shockers, emerged in the 19th century and became wildly popular in the United States and Britain. They were known for their inexpensive price of just ten cents, making them accessible to a wide range of readers. Packed with thrilling tales of romance, crime, cowboys, detectives, and more, these novels became a staple in popular culture.

One of the most notable authors in the dime novel genre was Edward L. Wheeler, who wrote under the pseudonym "Ned Buntline." His works, such as "Buffalo Bill, the King of Border Men" and "Dime Novel Dick," captured the imaginations of readers with their larger-than-life characters and exciting plotlines.

Another prominent dime novel writer was Beadle & Adams, a publishing company that specialized in producing these low-cost, high-adrenaline stories. Beadle & Adams is especially renowned for their iconic series "Beadle’s Dime Novels," which featured popular western heroes like Daniel Boone and Kit Carson.

While dime novels reached the height of their popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, their influence can still be felt today. Many beloved characters and storylines from dime novels have left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring countless adaptations in film, television, and literature.

So, where can you find these treasured dime novels today? While original copies may be rare and expensive, fear not! There are plenty of resources available to experience the thrills of dime novels. Here are a few recommendations:

1. Project Gutenberg: As a digital library, Project Gutenberg offers a vast collection of free ebooks, including a selection of dime novels. Dive into the world of penny dreadfuls with just a few clicks.

2. Internet Archive: This non-profit digital library provides access to millions of free texts, including dime novels. Explore their collection and embark on an adventurous journey from the comfort of your own screen.

3. Local Libraries or Secondhand Bookstores: You never know what hidden treasures you might stumble upon in your local library or a secondhand bookstore. Take a trip down memory lane and search the shelves for a nostalgic read.

In conclusion, dime novels are a thrilling gateway to the world of classic pulp fiction. Their action-packed plots, larger-than-life characters, and affordable price made them beloved among readers worldwide. From the writings of Edward L. Wheeler to the iconic series published by Beadle & Adams, dime novels continue to captivate imaginations and leave a lasting legacy. So, grab a dime novel, embark on an exciting adventure, and let your imagination run wild!
Love Robbery: The CEO's Contract Bride Fiction
Love Robbery: The CEO's Contract Bride

A difficult love storm of a noble and aristocratic family! A perfect love game of youth! A love entangled with career and marriage by a contract! A magnificent business war! A magnificent love!

474.00 Million words | 2022-12-06 21:34Update

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Your lady, Ying. Fiction
Your lady, Ying.

Hu Lu, the barbarian, has his eyes set on the Central Plains, eager to dominate. The emperor indulges in a life of drunken dreams, surrounded by three thousand beauties. The powerful ministers each have their own scheming minds, plotting for wealth and power. This paints a picture of a woeful and tear-inducing scene where disaster is imminent. However, the author remains steadfast in his original intention to continue writing a sweet summer romance! Therefore, Miss from a prestigious family, please put down your long spear and stay away from that dappled horse! You should know that someone has always been standing in front of you, so stop trying to imitate Mulan! Mulan had no choice, okay?!

270.78 Million words | 2021-04-28 01:29Update

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The Human Era Fiction
The Human Era

Vast universe, dazzling galaxies, are there any aliens and extraterrestrial civilizations? If you believe there are, then please read this book, because it will subvert your worldview! If you think there are not, then please read this book too, as it will make your imagination soar! In fact, whether there are aliens or not, the universe will eventually usher in the human era! (PS: This is a completely different genre from the author's previous works like 'Red Director' and others. Quality is guaranteed, and this sci-fi work aims to bring innovation and a groundbreaking experience. Let's explore the future world together with the author!).

244.10 Million words | 2022-12-17 21:57Update

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Blind Empress Fiction
Blind Empress

This story is completed. Please proceed to 'Master, Please Come to the Bowl'. She is blind in her eyes, but not in her heart. Wearing a red dress, she possesses a soul-guiding technique that can overturn the world. Unfortunately, she doesn't care about the world. She just wants to live a peaceful life in a quiet forest. However, she is no longer in control of her own fate. He appears to be a frivolous person but is actually a young emperor. With a folding fan that exudes boundless elegance and a smile that captivates souls, he is full of tenderness. However, this woman doesn't regard him or care about him. She maintains a detached and indifferent attitude, going with the flow. So, he carefully plans to trap her. 'Empress, you are worthy of standing shoulder to shoulder with this kingdom.'... Seductive as blood, piercing as ice; heartless but with a graceful demeanor – Blood Essence.

226.56 Million words | 2020-08-29 02:13Update

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God-Level Yin Yang Eyes Fiction
God-Level Yin Yang Eyes

My name is Hu Badao. Let me tell you a secret, there is a thin strand of smoke about three inches long above everyone's head... Let me tell you another secret, ghosts can live for thirty days! All of the above is just me talking nonsense, after all, my name is Hu Badao, a person who talks nonsense.

61.41 Million words | 2022-08-07 02:52Update

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Phoenix Dynasty Fiction
Phoenix Dynasty

Family exterminated, Merlin's first encounter, she falls in love with her enemy. He, burying his love, sends her into the arms of her enemy. Her overflowing affection is discarded like old shoes, gradually losing hope. But he, endlessly cherishing and accommodating her, gradually melts her cold heart. She desires to hold his hand in this lifetime, never to leave or abandon. However, his reappearance reveals the truth to her, leaving her unsure about what to do when faced with the man she once deeply loved.

262.21 Million words | 2021-08-28 13:36Update

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Palace Tragedy Fiction
Palace Tragedy

Qin Xi was originally a carefree little girl in Qinzhou City. With her father being the lord of the city, she had been spoiled since childhood, learning skills in eating, drinking, and having fun. Growing up in a daze, she encountered Li Xuan, the most beautiful man in Daqi. With his smooth words and sweet talk, he captured the young girl's heart in just a few months. Unfortunately, the devil always wears an angel's disguise. Overnight, her family was destroyed, and she became a prisoner, losing her memory. Qin Xi's life turned upside down, as one conspiracy after another silently approached, slowly unraveling the mystery of her identity.

448.12 Million words | 2023-03-04 00:02Update

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Memories of Liangzhou Fiction
Memories of Liangzhou

Memories of Liangzhou by Xu Kaizhen

233.27 Million words | 2020-10-22 16:46Update

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Where does the Phoenix Return? Fiction
Where does the Phoenix Return?

She came from another world to become the pride of heaven, but couldn't resist the fate of marrying three times. Where does the Phoenix return? Who can turn ten years of sorrow into a smile? From the prime of her life to the end, there is no one to accompany her to old age. Over the years, she has traveled far and wide, with no one to accompany her in song, no one to accompany her in drink. He promised her freedom but trapped her with bloodshed. He was rebellious and never bowed down, but sacrificed his life for her. In her rebirth, there are no longer any companions in heaven or on earth. The green tablet's harem: [group number].

182.84 Million words | 2021-09-06 16:42Update

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Charming Demon Wife Fiction
Charming Demon Wife

A girl was brought back to the village from the city by my family, claiming to be my wife. We got married on the same day, but something happened on our wedding night... I wanted to be a good person and help others, but ended up being condemned by everyone because of your charming smile, which shattered my entire world.

492.17 Million words | 2022-08-10 13:52Update

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Soul Hunt: Battling the Shades Fiction
Soul Hunt: Battling the Shades

The Shades, ancient and malevolent, make their nests in people's dreams and feed on their souls. However, the soul hunters also prey on them! On the battlefield of soul hunting, Shen Hao is an oddball. Lacking extraordinary intelligence and strategic thinking, he relies on brute strength and believes that his fists can shatter any scheme. But being a brute doesn't necessarily mean being reckless. He possesses the dominance of a bear, the calmness of a snake, the courage of a tiger, and the cunning of a wolf...

104.80 Million words | 2021-05-04 02:07Update

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The Wedding Dress Fiction
The Wedding Dress

Isn't it said that when one is reborn in ancient times, they always have avant-garde thinking and rich imagination? Aren't the people in ancient times moved to tears when they hear 'The bright moonlight before the bed' and 'When will there be a bright moon?'? Shouldn't the beautiful young men and middle-aged men cry out and beg to be kept? >_

69.88 Million words | 2022-09-07 01:23Update

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Dote on Wife: Lord Pampers Online Fiction
Dote on Wife: Lord Pampers Online

"Husband, my classmates bully me." "Husband, my friends bully me." "Husband, my stepmother bullies me." "Husband, you bully me." His indifference turns passionate when faced with her, his coldness turns affectionate. Pampering his wife in every way, she deserves to exclusively possess the extraordinary school grass husband.

504.79 Million words | 2021-10-05 05:18Update

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Mengze, the Gentleman. Fiction
Mengze, the Gentleman.

The two entangled souls from the ancient realm of gods, cursed in cycles of fifteen thousand years, who planted it, and who should bear it. Until the cycles are exhausted, the obsession in the dream turns into a extinguished lamp. I once cherished a soul, guarded it for thousands of years, but there was always regret.

132.75 Million words | 2023-06-30 14:41Update

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Traitor of SHIELD Fiction
Traitor of SHIELD

A defected Level 5 agent of SHIELD attracts the pursuit of various skilled individuals. Hawkeye is the first to be sent home. Coulson is the second to retreat. Black Widow ends up embracing the enemy during the chase. Along the way, they capture (or get captured by?) a young Skye. And who is the guy with a metal arm and a red star on it? In Afghanistan, they encounter the first Iron Man in his struggles to break free and learn about a magical treasure from a powerful being, leading to gradual change.

42.03 Million words | 2022-12-03 16:12Update

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Dessert Lover's Entrepreneurship Journey Fiction
Dessert Lover's Entrepreneurship Journey

【【Red Sleeve Reading - First 'Global Writing Contest'】 Submission】 On her wedding day, Gu Ruoxi was stood up by her fiancé and hastily married someone else. She overcame hardships and reached the pinnacle of her life. However... Hey, mister, why have you been following me all this time? Bian Haoxuan: Because you're my wife. No, we agreed it was just a temporary marriage, right? Bian Haoxuan cunningly smiled: It's too late...

103.14 Million words | 2020-07-27 12:16Update

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Evil Doctor Empress: Don't Stop, My Lord Fiction
Evil Doctor Empress: Don't Stop, My Lord

She is definitely a magnet for trouble! A renowned microbiologist ends up in a worthless body and narrowly escapes being killed! With her parents dead and drowning in debt, facing imminent execution, a handsome and wealthy lord appears with a bag of silver. Driven mad by his actions, this man not only becomes her financial backer but also forces her to go out and earn a living! As the saying goes, knowledge is power. Just as she begins to thrive, her despicable relatives appear and plot to divide her hard-earned achievements! Outrageous! The dowager lady's possessions, acquired through her sacrifice, are not to be coveted by others! My Lord, help this servant punish the evildoers...

102.50 Million words | 2022-08-27 09:35Update

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Legend of the Reborn Heiress Fiction
Legend of the Reborn Heiress

In the previous life, she was frail and delicate and an ordinary village girl, but became the richest woman in Asia. In this life, she starts anew as a disciple of a mysterious master, practicing both medicine and martial arts in the mystical world. In the previous life, she remained unmarried, but in this life, she unexpectedly encounters a mysterious and unpredictable senior brother. Well, senior brother, let's indulge in a youthful love! (This story is purely fictional, please do not imitate.)

70.55 Million words | 2021-01-07 10:00Update

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The Shu Brocade Family Fiction
The Shu Brocade Family

Yang Jingyuan is a true playboy. Born into wealth and handsome. His greatest achievement is knocking others down in a fight while still standing himself. Earned the admiration of other playboys. But when he meets Ji Yingying, his proud heart starts falling from the sky. Falls into the mud, and gets disdainfully stepped on by her. Yang Jingyuan is furious: he must make Ji Yingying look up to him. And then extend his hand to her, generously saying, 'I forgive you.' When the Shu spicy lady meets the great Tang playboy, who will win?

62.61 Million words | 2022-10-13 03:39Update

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Survival Manual Fiction
Survival Manual

The apocalypse is nature's most insane selection process for humanity. Only a few emerge as winners, while the rest are eliminated. Chen Sen, a special forces soldier who wakes up to the end of the world, is immediately attacked by zombies. After a fierce battle, food becomes his greatest concern. The roaming zombies and ruthless fellow survivors all view him as a target. In order to survive, he must give it his all, stepping over the flesh and blood of the defeated to forge ahead. Trusted companions give him a chance at redemption, while moments of brutal decision-making unfold. Cannibalism has become commonplace, and the hands of conspirators are everywhere. Human nature has long been eroded by slaughter, and survival of the fittest has become the highest law of the world. Talk of becoming an emperor is too far-fetched; staying alive is the top priority. Brave warriors abound, and only those who survive till the end can glimpse the dawn of hope...

266.37 Million words | 2021-07-10 06:18Update

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