Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
In celebration of the centennial of one of the world's greatest literary characters, an exploration and history of Agatha Christie's legendary detective, Hercule Poirot in books, theater, television, and film.
For a century, Agatha Christie's famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot has maintained a near-permanent presence in world culture. The star of thirty-three novels, beginning with The Mysterious Affair at Styles, one play (Black Coffee), more than fifty short stories published between 1920 and 1975, and stage, movie, and television adaptations, the detective who solved diabolical crimes using his "little grey cells" has enamored audiences for generations.
In this definitive "biography" of Poirot, Christie expert Mark Aldridge traces the detective's development, from Agatha Christie's earliest conceptions through each book's publication to today, when he is enjoying a worldwide renaissance, inspired by enduring public adoration.
Aldridge includes fascinating stories not only about Christie's various inspirations, but the many obstacles artists have faced in bringing Poirot to the screen. He also reveals how Christie's attitude towards her beloved creation transformed across time. Culminating with the latest works featuring Poirot from acclaimed actor and director Kenneth Branagh, Agatha Christie's Poirot is the ultimate guide to understanding how and why Hercule Poirot has remained a pop-culture icon for a century--and why his popularity will continue to endure.
Packed with never-before-published materials and images from the Agatha Christie archives, Agatha Christie's Poirot is a must-have keepsake for mystery lovers and all Christie devotees.
Synopsis
From the publication of Agatha Christie's very first book in 1920 to the release of Sir Kenneth Branagh's film Death on the Nile in 2020, this investigation into the phenomenon of Hercule Poirot celebrates a century of probably the world's favorite fictional detective.
Hercule Poirot has had a near-permanent presence in the public eye ever since the 1920 publication of The Mysterious Affair at Styles. The detective who solves diabolical crimes using his "little grey cells" has enamored audiences not only in the original novels, short stories, and plays, but also across radio, television, and movies.
From Agatha Christie's earliest conceptions and publication history, to forays on the stage and screen, the story of Poirot is as fascinating as it is enduring. Mark Aldridge tells this story decade-by-decade, exploring and analyzing Poirot's many and often wildly different appearances, following the detective to present day when he is enjoying a worldwide renaissance.
Packed with original research, never-before-published correspondence, and images from the Agatha Christie archives, Agatha Christie's Poirot will delight fans of Hercule Poirot and mystery lovers alike.