15 September 2016
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The Body in the Library
Six of the novels written by Agatha Christie, the world’s bestselling novelist of all time, feature in a new set of stamps issued to mark three key anniversaries connected with her life and work.
Six of the novels written by Agatha Christie, the world’s bestselling novelist of all time, feature in a new set of stamps issued to mark three key anniversaries connected with her life and work.
With more than two billion books sold, Dame Agatha Christie can claim not only be to the queen of crime, but the queen of the written word – her book sales are second only to the Bible and the works of William Shakespeare.
Born in Torquay in 1890, Agatha Christie was a home-schooled, intelligent child who grew up with a love of literature which would last a lifetime. She wrote 66 detective novels, creating world-famous characters including Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple and Parker Pyne, as well as plays including The Mousetrap, which has been staged continuously since 1952, clocking up more than a quarter of a million performances around the world.
Christie’s impressive literary portfolio is the inspiration for Royal Mail’s latest issue, which comprises six stamps and associated produces, all of which pay tribute to the queen of crime and her memorable plays and novels. The year 2016 marks the centenary of Christie writing her first story, the ‘birth’ of her character Hercule Poirot, and the fortieth anniversary of Christie’s death at the age of 85.
In keeping with the spirit of Christie’s work, the six Special Stamps contain hidden clues and reference to the murder and mystery of the novels. The six Christie works depicted are Murder on the Orient Express, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, The Body in the Library, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, A Murder is Announced, and Then There Were None. The latter is Christie’s best-selling novel and one of the biggest sellers of all time – with 100 million copies sold. This book has had more adaptations than any other of Christie’s work, as well as eight film versions.
Each of the stamps has a black, grey and white colour theme, with key details from each of the mysteries picked out in brighter colours, in homage to Christie’s skill in dropping hints and clues to her readers throughout each of her works. Shadows, silhouettes and shading have also been used by illustrator Neil Webb, giving a feel of mystery and suspense.
Stamp details
1st: Murder on the Orient Express
1st: And Then There Were None
£1.33: The Mysterious Affair at Styles
£1.33: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
£1.52: The Body in the Library
£1.52: A Murder is Announced
Issue date: 15 September, 206
Design: Studio Sutherland
Illustrations: Neil Webb
Format: Landscape
Size: 60mm x 30mm
Printer: International Security Printers
Process: Lithography
Perforations: 14.5 x 14.5
Phosphor: Bars
Gum: PVA
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