Arts

22 Sep 09

Talking about Detective Fiction by P D James is to be published by the Bodleian Library.

A special one-day event will celebrate the launch of Talking about Detective Fiction by P D James, the latest Bodleian Library publication.

Crime Day at the Bodleian Library will take place on 2 October 2009. Events include talks from a number of eminent authors of detective and crime fiction including P D James, Val McDermid, Ruth Rendell and Kate Summerscale. A special display of material from the Library’s collections related to the origins and development of detective fiction over the years will also be on display.

After nearly 50 years writing detective novels, P D James has now written about the genre which has made her famous. She is donating all her royalties from the hardback edition to the Bodleian in support of the Libraries’ activities. Her donation is being used to encourage further philanthropy. A page at the beginning of the hardback publication provides an introduction to the Library and inspires readers to follow her example.

Talking about Detective Fiction is an engaging ‘personal history’ of the genre of detective fiction, peppered with examples from the author’s own writing experience. The book looks at the origins of detective fiction and its development, the reasons behind its abiding popularity, and its role in society today, as well as the genre’s potential future.

The book will interest all devotees of P D James as well as fans of detective novels in general and would-be writers.

During Crime Day at the Bodleian, P D James will be in conversation with Kate Summerscale, author of the best-selling Suspicions of Mr Whicher. Val McDermid, whose novels are currently screened as the series Wire in the Blood by ITV, will also be a guest of honour. In addition, P D James will be in conversation with Ruth Rendell. All events will be followed by author signings.

There will also be a display in the Proscholium featuring manuscripts and rare items from the Library’s collection related to crime writing. Highlights include material linked to a number of crime authors mentioned by P D James in the book, including Arthur Conan Doyle, Raymond Chandler, Edmund Crispin (pseudonym of Bruce Montgomery). A manuscript of P D James’s work will also be on display.

P D James was born in Oxford and is a staunch supporter of the Bodleian. She was awarded the Bodley Medal in 2002 and has spoken at several Library events. In a career spanning over 50 years, she has written 20 books and has won numerous awards for her writing.

Events take place in the Divinity School and tickets are on sale at Borders in Oxford, priced at £3 per event.