The Remarkable Case of Dorothy L. Sayers


Book Description

An assessment of the novels of Dorothy L. Sayers and her place in the history of detection as well as in the larger tradition of the English novel. Includes the detective and mystery fiction, Sayers on women, and the religious dimension of her act.




The Seven Deadly Sins in the Work of Dorothy L. Sayers


Book Description

An examination of the work of Dorothy L. Sayers, beginning with her early poetry and moving through her fiction to her dramas, essays and lectures. It illustrates how Sayers used popular genres to teach about sin and redemption, and how she redefined the seven deadly sins for the 20th century.




Dorothy L. Sayers


Book Description

Dorothy L. Sayers was one of the "Queens of Crime." Alongside writers like Agatha Christie, she perfected the whodunnit, but also used the genre to explore social, ethical, and emotional matters. Her characters, particularly Lord Peter Wimsey and his investigative partner Harriet Vane, struggle with the complexities of life and love in a rapidly changing world while solving some of the most intricate and complex mysteries ever offered to the reading public. Sayers was also an important theoretician of detective fiction, a religious dramatist, a public intellectual, and one of the 20th century's most important translators of Dante. While focusing on her mystery fiction, this companion offers a full view of all aspects of Sayers's career. It is an ideal introduction for readers new to Sayers's diverse and rewarding body of work, and an invaluable companion for her many fans.




Dorothy L. Sayers


Book Description

Mystery writer Dorothy Sayers is loved and remembered, most notably, for the creation of sleuths Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane. As this biography attests, Sayers was also one of the first women to be awarded a degree from Oxford, a playwright, and an essayist--but also a woman with personal joys and tragedies. Here, Reynolds, a close friend of Sayers, presents a convincing and balanced portrait of one of the 20th century's most brilliant, creative women. 30 b&w photos.




Dorothy L. Sayers


Book Description

1993 marked the 100th birthday of Dorothy L. Sayers and in her honor Dale gathered a baker's dozen of the finest and most popular mystery writers from the United States and United Kingdom who discuss the way Sayers taught them their trade. The collection was nominated for Malice Domestic's non-fiction Agatha Award.




Have His Carcase


Book Description

Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane investigate a dead body on the beach in this “nearly perfect detective story” by the author of Busman’s Honeymoon (Saturday Review). Harriet Vane has gone on vacation to forget her recent murder trial and, more importantly, to forget the man who cleared her name—the dapper, handsome, and maddening Lord Peter Wimsey. She is alone on a beach when she spies a man lying on a rock, surf lapping at his ankles. She tries to wake him, but he doesn’t budge. His throat has been cut, and his blood has drained out onto the sand. As the tide inches forward, Harriet makes what observations she can and photographs the scene. Finally, she goes for the police, but by the time they return the body has gone. Only one person can help her discover how the poor man died at the beach: Lord Peter, the amateur sleuth who won her freedom and her heart in one fell swoop. Have His Carcase is the 8th book in the Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries, but you may enjoy the series by reading the books in any order. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Dorothy L. Sayers including rare images from the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College.




The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club: A Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery


Book Description

"The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club" by Dorothy L. Sayers is a captivating and intricately plotted detective novel that showcases the brilliance of Lord Peter Wimsey as he navigates the complexities of a puzzling case. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I London, Sayers skillfully weaves together elements of mystery, suspense, and social commentary to create a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The novel introduces readers to the enigmatic Lord Peter Wimsey, a charming and witty aristocrat with a keen intellect and a passion for solving mysteries. When General Fentiman is found dead in his chair at the Bellona Club, Lord Peter is called upon to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death. As Lord Peter delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of family secrets, financial intrigues, and long-held grudges that lead him down unexpected paths. One of the standout features of "The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club" is Sayers' skillful character development, as she brings to life a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and hidden agendas. From the stoic General Fentiman to the eccentric members of the Bellona Club, Sayers creates a rich tapestry of personalities that adds depth and complexity to the story. Furthermore, Sayers' meticulous attention to detail and clever plotting make "The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club" a masterclass in detective fiction. The novel is filled with twists and turns, red herrings, and unexpected revelations that keep readers guessing until the very end. Sayers' sharp wit and elegant prose style further enhance the reading experience, making this novel a true delight for fans of classic British mystery. "The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club" is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers with its engaging plot, memorable characters, and clever storytelling. Dorothy L. Sayers' masterful blend of mystery, humor, and social commentary ensures that this novel remains a standout in the genre of detective fiction and a must-read for fans of the genre.




Dorothy L Sayers: A Biography


Book Description

Dorothy L. Sayers was a woman of contrasts. A strong Christian, she had a baby - out of wedlock - by a man she did not love. Possessing a fierce intellect, she translated Dante, and also created one of the most popular fictional detectives ever in Lord Peter Wimsey. Drawing on material often difficult to access, particularly her collected letters, Colin Duriez reassesses Sayers’ life, her writings, her studies, and her faith to present a rich and captivating portrait of this formidable character.




The Victorian Approach to Modernism in the Fiction of Dorothy L. Sayers


Book Description

Dorothy L. Sayers wrote bestselling detective novels and short stories in the 1920s and 1930s. Working within a popular medium, Sayers promotes nineteenth century and modernist literature with skills learnt during a period of employment in an advertising agency. In much of her fiction she recommends her choice of good books by name. She also suggests that taking Victorian literature as a foundation can bring her reader to a better understanding of literary modernism. With a didactic intent, Sayers shows how Lewis Carroll’s Alice can help us to eventually read Virginia Woolf, for instance. Her approach to educating her readers is always through entertainment. Sayers worked briefly as a teacher before taking up copywriting and retained important insights on how to improve the learning experience for any reader. Sayers’ admiration for the Victorian sensation author Wilkie Collins is widely recognised. This book examines Sayers’ attention to equally important Victorian influences from John Ruskin and George Eliot to Oscar Wilde, particularly in relation to the topic of education. She often questions the boundaries between “popular” and “serious” literature. Sayers’ personal views on the connections between mid-Victorian, late Victorian and high modernist authors are also considered.




Middlebrow Feminism in Classic British Detective Fiction


Book Description

This is a feminist study of a recurring character type in classic British detective fiction by women - a woman who behaves like a Victorian gentleman. Exploring this character type leads to a new evaluation of the politics of classic detective fiction and the middlebrow novel as a whole.