The Hardy Boys are a national institution in America, an amateur sleuthing team of two brothers, Frank and Joe. Hardy Boys books have been staple fare for avid readers of detective adventures, especially loved by boys. The original series ran from 1927 to 1979, written under the pseudonym of Franklin W. Dixon. In fact, the stories were the idea of the Stratemeyer Syndicate publishing house, which were also responsible for the Nancy Drew and the Rover Boys series, amongst others. The characters and early plots were created by Edward Stratameyer and numerous ghostwriters were given the task of writing the books.
The series is unusual in undergoing revisions. In 1959, the early Hardy Boys books received changes, such as shortening story length, updating everyday language and eliminating racial stereotypes. These changes ranged from minor tinkering to entire plots being jettisoned. Frank, who is a constant 18 years old, and younger brother Joe, at 17 years old live in the fictional town of Bayport, where their father, Fenton Hardy has gained a reputation as a private detective. The boys follow in their father's footsteps in solving crimes. The local police force request their help and they also assist their father in his cases on occasion.
The book covers are designed to capture the imagination and suggest mystery and danger with titles such as The Mystery of the Aztec Warrior, The Ghost at Skeleton Rock and While the Clock Ticked. Hardy Boys books are available in 25 different languages and involve every sort of crime, including jewel theft, burglary and industrial espionage.
The adventures have appeared in many different forms, since the first run of titles. After the original series finished, publishers Simon and Shuster brought out the Hardy Brothers Digest, volumes in paperback that ended in 2005. This was followed by another series of Hardy boys books called The Hardy Boys: Undercover Brothers. Spin offs with a specific target readership in mind have appeared. The Casefiles series were written for older readers and contained more hard hitting storylines. The boys even used firearms and cursed occasionally. In contrast, Clues Brothers were intended for younger readers and more minor crimes were investigated. Some of the books have teamed the duo with other characters, including Nancy Drew and Tom Swift. They have also appeared in comic books and graphic novels.
In addition to books, the brothers have spawned merchandise, including dolls and board games. There have been numerous TV shows, adapted from the Hardy Boys books and an animated series and music albums. Many adults remember the brothers with affection and interest in them has continued into the 21st century.
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