Agatha Christie
Biography
Agatha Christie was born on September 15th 1890
in Torquay, Devon, South West England. She was born into a middle class family and had a different upbringing than most middle class children of that time. She was home schooled by her father. Her mother was said to be an excellent story teller and did not want Agatha to learn how to read until the age of eight. However, Agatha was essentially an only child who had to older siblings much older than her. Due to being alone most of the time and bored she taught herself to read by the age of 5.
Her creativity and inspiration came from the
stories of her time, such as “The Railway Children” and “Little Women”. As well as poetry and American thrillers.
A
t the age of 18 Agatha started to have some of her stories published with the help of her family friend and author, giving her valuable advice about the role of the author.
I
t was during the First World War the Christie turned to writing detective stories. She was working at a hospital at the dispensary and became educated in the Society of Apothecaries and used her new found expertise in poisons helpful when writing all her novels.
1919 was a big year for Agatha where her debut novel, “The Mysterious Affair at Styles” was published. The book introduced the “most famous detective in the world”, Hercule Poirot. Christie became a wide success and continued to write mysteries with different characters and detectives creating Tommy and Tuppence and then Miss Marple.
Accomplishments Agatha Christie became and remains the best selling novelist of all time due to the mystery novel she wrote and that was published in 1939, “And Then There Were None”.
She is best known for her 66 detective novels and
14 short story collections, as well as the world’s longest-running-play, The Mousetrap. Her books have sold over a billion copies in the English language and a billion in translation.
Also, her detective novels of Miss Marple and
Hercule Poirot have been adapted into movies and TV series on PBS.
The Monument
The proposed monument
dedicated to Agatha Christie will be on an opened book placed on a podium with her name on one side with her picture and on the other side will be with pictures of her most famous detectives that she created, Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple and also her novel, “And Then There Were None”, which is the best-selling crime novel of all time.
Below and to the side, will be
a mini biography of Christie as well as listing her accomplishments and influence in literature.
Monument Location
The campus location for the monument at George
Mason University will be at Fenwick Library. It is fitting and appropriate since she is an author and also, so many students pass by Fenwick Library everyday who can take a few moments to read about one of the most successful authors of all-time.
The off campus location for the memorial would be
at the Boston Public Library. Even though Agatha Christie is a British citizen, I think her work transcends culture’s and countries and that there should be no hesitation in building a monument honoring all of her literary accomplishments that have inspired so
Fenwick Library
Boston Public Library
Purpose
Agatha Christie’s novels have had massive im-
pact and influence in the world. During WWI and WWII, she provided entertainment and excitement and joy to the people at home. She also has left her mark and a lasting impression and influence in the world of literature.
C
“ rime is terribly revealing. Try and vary your methods as you will, your tastes, your habits, your attitude of mind, and your soul is revealed by your actions.” - Agatha Christie