The Dick Francis Companion

by Dean A. James, Jean Swanson, Dean James

Book Overview

When former jockey Dick Francis turned to writing, his novels were a success right out of the gate. Now readers can learn more about his suspenseful stories and the fascinating worlds in which they take place-not only horse racing, but many others, from flying to filmmaking, from gemstones to glassblowing. Meet the man who has won three Edgar Allen Poe Awards, the title of Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master, fellowship in the Royal Society of Literature, and Malice Domestic's Lifetime Achievement Award-and add to your reading pleasure with: Book-by-book synopses, little-known facts, and quotes Francis's stable of memorable characters-from Sid Halley to Mr. Kitchens to Professor Guggenheim The "beautiful, marvelous creatures" who run through his novels-from Admiral in Dead Cert to Zingaloo in Whip Hand Websites on horseracing, the many novels, and the author himself

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425181871
• ISBN13: 9780425181874
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Length: 210 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

recognition of one of mystery greats

Almost fifty years ago, highly successful jockey Dick Francis left horse racing to write mystery novels that in many cases used his former occupation as a milieu. Over the next four plus decades, genre fans continually loved his works that have led to multiple awards including a life achievement and grandmaster status. When his companion, his beloved wife Mary died a few years ago, Mr. Francis finally slowed down his incredible high quality annual production of great who-done-its.THE DICK FRANCIS COMPANION provides further recognition of one of mystery greats as well as giving readers a deep look at his works since the 1950s, his memorable characters, an exclusive and interesting interview with Mr. Francis, and of course links to horse racing. Though clearly for fans of the author, this biography with its emphasis on the novels and a recent anthology is a Triple Crown winner (so the finish line is stretched across the ocean as Mr. Francis raced in England) for those readers who know a sure bet.Harriet Klausner