Philadelphia noir is the focus of two panels at Noircon 2008. The firstpanel presents the historical moment, cultural milieu and writings ofthe 19th century Philly writer George Lippard. Ed Petit and RobertPolito make a compelling case to consider Lippard an importantproto-noir author, an author whose writings look back towards 1798'sgothic novel WIELAND and forward towards 20th century hardboiled. Thesecond panel addresses the issue of Philly noir through a discussionamong noir and crime writers currently living and working inPhiladelphia. Clute and Edwards talk more with Philly authors WilliamLashner and Jon McGoran (D.H. Dublin) about what is Philadelphia noirand how does Philadelphia figure as one of the great American noircities. For more information about  Noircon, visit the officialconference website at www.noircon.com. For more information about thehard-boiled podcasts of Clute and Edwards, visit www.noircast.net