Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery

Drawing on the perspectives, experiences and expert knowledge of a cast of contributors, from writers of crime fiction and Christie experts, to personalities of stage, screen and theatre, Editors Lucy Rowland and Martin Edwards weave together the influences and events that shaped her work and the inspiration she has provided to subsequent writers, directors and performers. John Curran deciphers her notebooks; David Suchet reveals how he entered the mind of Hercule Poirot; Lucy Foley breaks down the process of writing a new Miss Marple novel; and Julius Green details how she turned her ingenious writing skills to theatre. Beyond the realm of crime, there are also features that focus on her love of swimming and surfing; her gift for music, and experiences accompanying her second husband on archaeological digs in Syria and Iraq.

These features showcase gems from the Archive, such as Christie’s brochure from her own journey on the Orient Express, pages from family photograph albums and the handwritten pharmaceutical notes from her work in the dispensary of Torquay’s Red Cross Hospital during the First World War. Covers of collectible first editions, annotated typescripts, playscripts and letters, as well as personal belongings, are all reproduced in beautiful original photography.

About the Editors

Martin Edwards is series consultant for British Library Crime Classics. He is a CWA Diamond Dagger Award-winning crime writer and president of the Detection Club.

Lucy Rowland works in the Eccles Centre of the British Library and is the Lead Curator for the Agatha Christie Exhibition.