Time to Be in Earnest, A Fragment of Autobiography (Signed)

P.D. James

ISBN 10: 0375410910 / ISBN 13: 9780375410918

Published by Alfred A. Knopf, New York, 2000

About this Item

From the publisher: Originally loathe to embark on a full autobiography, P.D. James decided to chronicle a year in her life - the twelve months between her 77th and 78th birthday - and in so doing found the daily events and reflections of the present a springboard into the past. The result is a unique and very personal book - part diary, part memoir - that spans almost the full century. She recalls, with insight and warmth, what it was like to grow up in post-Victorian England in a poor family, to be a schoolgirl in the 1930s. She recreates memories of giving birth to her daughter during the Doodlebug bombardment of London; struggling to support her family while trying to write; working in the Home Office in the forensic and criminal justice departments; serving as the Governor of the BBC, and eventually entering the House of Lords. And she explores the craft of the classical detective story of which she is a master. Through a life of hard work, creativity and public service her reputation grew. During the busy year in which this memoir was penned, she published the #1 bestseller, A Certain Justice. This copy is fine with a black cloth spine on red paper-covered boards and silver titles on the spine. No marks or damage at all. The clipped DJ has just slight shelf wear but is otherwise excellent. Signed by the author on a front flyleaf. . LB06.

Seller Inventory # B1067

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Time to Be in Earnest, A Fragment of Autobiography (Signed)
• Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf, New York
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0375410910
• ISBN 13: 9780375410918
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First American Edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Signed/Inscribed
  • Literature
  • Mystery

About this title

Synopsis

Originally loathe to embark on a full autobiography, P.D. James decided to chronicle a year in her life - the twelve months between her 77th and 78th birthday - and in so doing found the daily events and reflections of the present a springboard into the past. The result is a unique and very personal book - part diary, part memoir - that spans almost the full century.

She recalls, with insight and warmth, what it was like to grow up in post-Victorian England in a poor family, to be a schoolgirl in the 1930s. She recreates memories of giving birth to her daughter during the Doodlebug bombardment of London; struggling to support her family while trying to write; working in the Home Office in the forensic and criminal justice departments; serving as the Governor of the BBC, and eventually entering the House of Lords. And she explores the craft of the classical detective story of which she is a master.

Through a life of hard work, creativity and public service her reputation grew. During the busy year in which this memoir was penned, she published the #1 bestseller, A Certain Justice.

About the Author

P.D. James is the author of 14 previous books, many of which have been adapted for television. She is the recipient of many honours, including the Cartier Diamond Dagger Award for Lifetime Achievement and 1999 Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America. She lives in London, England.