Anthony Berkeley

Anthony Berkeley (1893-1971) was an English crime writer who wrote under two pseudonyms: Anthony Berkeley and Francis Iles. He is considered to be one of the masters of the Golden Age Detective Novel, and his work is known for its complex plots, psychological insights, and witty dialogue.

Principles

Berkeley believed that the detective novel should be more than just a puzzle to be solved. He wanted to write stories that explored the dark side of human nature and the psychology of crime. He was also interested in the social and political issues of his time, and his work often reflects his concerns about these issues.

Famous for

Berkeley is famous for his detective novels, which feature the amateur sleuth Roger Sheringham. Sheringham is a brilliant and unorthodox detective who uses his intelligence and his understanding of human nature to solve crimes.

Berkeley is also famous for his psychological crime novels, which are written under the pseudonym Francis Iles. These novels are darker and more suspenseful than his Berkeley novels, and they often explore the themes of madness and obsession.

Notable works

Some of Berkeley's most notable works include:

• The Poisoned Chocolates Case (1929)
• Murder in the Basement (1932)
• Before the Fact (1932)
• Malice Aforethought (1931)
• The Case of the Constant Suicides (1941)

Philosophy

Berkeley's philosophy of writing crime novels was based on the belief that the detective novel should be more than just a puzzle to be solved. He wanted to write stories that explored the dark side of human nature and the psychology of crime. He was also interested in the social and political issues of his time, and his work often reflects his concerns about these issues.

Death and legacy

Berkeley died in 1971 at the age of 77. He is remembered as one of the masters of the Golden Age Detective Novel, and his work continues to be enjoyed by readers around the world.

How is he remembered?

Berkeley is remembered for his complex and suspenseful plots, his well-developed characters, and his witty dialogue. He is also remembered for his innovative approach to the crime novel, and for his willingness to explore difficult and controversial subjects.

Berkeley's work has been praised by critics and fellow authors alike. Agatha Christie called him "one of the greatest crime writers of our time," and Dorothy L. Sayers said that he was "a master of the psychological thriller."

Berkeley's work has also been adapted for film and television. His novel Malice Aforethought was adapted into the film Suspicion (1941), directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine.

Berkeley's legacy is that of a master of the crime novel. His work is still enjoyed by readers around the world, and he continues to influence crime writers to this day.