PD James donates royalties from new book to the Bodleian Library
30 Sep 09
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After nearly 50 years writing detective novels, PD James now writes about the genre which has made her so famous. 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.
Published by the Bodleian Library in October 2009, PD James, has generously pledged all the royalties from the hardback edition of the book for the benefit of the Bodleian, in support of the library's activities. Her donation will, she hopes, encourage further philanthropy. A page at the beginning of the hardback publication provides an introduction to the Library, and inspires readers to follow PD James' example.
From PD James' foreword to 'Talking about Detective Fiction'This book had its beginnings in December 2006 when, at the request of the Bodleian’s Publishing Department, the then Librarian invited me to write a book on British detective fiction in aid of the Library. As a native of Oxford I had known from early childhood that the Bodleian Library is one of the oldest and most distinguished in the world, and I replied that I was very happy to accept the invitation.
The book is a must-read for all devotees of PD James, as well as fans of detective novels in general, including would-be writers. In it, she 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. Talking about Detective Fiction is destined to become a classic of its kind.
To buy the book from the Bodleian Library shop, please click here.
PD 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. PD James is widely considered the most pre-eminent author of detective fiction in the UK. In a career spanning more than 50 years, she has written 20 books and has won numerous awards for her writing.
PD James has written this book for the Bodleian. What can you do? Please click here to find out more about the Library, and how you can help.
