Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie is the undisputed Queen of Crime; her closed-circle mysteries continue to enthral each new generation of readers and theatregoers. Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery accompanies the major exhibition at the British Library. Granted unprecedented access by Agatha Christie Ltd and the Christie Archive Trust, Christie fans are offered a rare opportunity to delve into the author’s extraordinary life and a unique insight into her craft.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. Step into Agatha Christie’s world and unravel the complex and fascinating life of this remarkable woman.