The Life and Crimes of Agatha Christie

A comprehensive and authorised biographical companion to the works of Agatha Christie covering books, films, TV and plays – revised and updated edition.

Agatha Christie was the author of over 100 plays, short story collections and novels which have been translated into 103 languages; she is outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. Many have tried to copy her but none has succeeded. Attempts to capture her personality on paper, to discover her motivations or the reasons for her popularity, have usually failed. Charles Osborne, a lifelong student of Agatha Christie, has approached this most private of persons above all through her books, and the result is a fascinating companion to her life and work.

This ‘professional life’ of Agatha Christie provides authoritative information on each book’s provenance, on the work itself and on its contemporary critical reception set against the background of the major events in the author’s life. Illustrated with many rare photographs, this comprehensive guide to the world of Agatha Christie has been fully updated to include details of all the publications, films and TV adaptations in the 25 years since her death.

“'Charles Osborne deserves a medal his own writing slips down a treat, and I was surprised to find (this book) a pleasure' Sunday Telegraph 'A delightful bedside companion' The Tablet”

'Charles Osborne deserves a medal -- his own writing slips down a treat, and I was surprised to find (this book) a pleasure' -- Sunday Telegraph 'A delightful bedside companion' -- The Tablet

Charles Osborne was born in Brisbane in 1927. He is known internationally as an authority on opera, though has had a lifelong passion for Agatha Christie’s works. His previous books include The Life and Crimes of Agatha Christie.

Agatha Christie was the author of over 100 plays, short story collections and novels which have been translated into 103 languages; she is outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. Many have tried to copy her but none has succeeded . Attempts to capture her personality on paper, to discover her motivations or the reasons for her popularity, have usually failed. Charles Osborne, a lifelong student of Agatha Christie and author of novelisations of three of her plays, approaches this most private of people above all through her books, and the result is a fascinating companion to her life and works. This 'professional life' of Agatha Christie provides authoritative information on each book's provenance, on the work itself and on its contemporary critical reception set against the background of the major events on the author's life. Illustrated with many rare photographs, this comprehensive guide to the world of Agatha Christie has been fully updated to include details of all the publications, films and TV adaptations in the 25 years since her death. 'A delightful bedside companion' THE TABLET 'Charles Osborne deserves a medal - his own writing slips down a treat, and I was surprised to find this book a pleasure' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

A comprehensive and authorised biographical companion to the works of Agatha Christie covering books, films, TV and plays - revised and updated edition. Agatha Christie was the author of over 100 plays, short story collections and novels which have been translated into 103 languages; she is outsold only by the Bible and Shakespeare. Many have tried to copy her but none has succeeded. Attempts to capture her personality on paper, to discover her motivations or the reasons for her popularity, have usually failed. Charles Osborne, a lifelong student of Agatha Christie, has approached this most private of persons above all through her books, and the result is a fascinating companion to her life and work. This 'professional life' of Agatha Christie provides authoritative information on each book's provenance, on the work itself and on its contemporary critical reception set against the background of the major events in the author's life. Illustrated with many rare photographs, this comprehensive guide to the world of Agatha Christie has been fully updated to include details of all the publications, films and TV adaptations in the 25 years since her death.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.