Hi tmom:
"Robert B Parker an American mystery writer, did his dissertation: "The Violent Hero, Wilderness Heritage and Urban Reality: A Study of the Private Eye in the Novels of Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Ross Macdonald."
"He became a full professor at Northeastern University of Boston, but three years later retired to devote himself entirely to writing."
His opening story lines are varied and he loves to have fun at the expense of his characters.
Search Robert B(rown) Parker (1932 - ) for in-depth information. Check references at Amazon.com.
I hope this is what you are looking for.
CeCe Day - Jane Doe Chronicals - www.janedoechronicles.typepad.com