Publisher's Synopsis
Explore the real-life settings and inspirations behind the Golden Age mysteries of Dorothy L Sayers
This beautifully crafted fold-out guide is the perfect companion for devotees of Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane, mapping the landscape of one of detective fiction's most celebrated creators. Follow in the footsteps of both Sayers herself and her iconic characters across London streets, Oxford colleges, sleepy English villages, and into Scotland and Wales.
From the Piccadilly flat that inspired Lord Peter's luxurious bachelor residence to the advertising agency where Sayers crafted campaigns for Guinness while conceiving "Murder Must Advertise," each location reveals another layer of connection between the author's life and her fictional world.
Discover:
* London Landmarks: The Naval and Military Club that became the Bellona Club, Miss Climpson's Pimlico residence, and Harriet Vane's trial at the Old Bailey
* Oxford Connections: Stroll through Shrewsbury College (modelled on Sayers' alma mater Somerville) where Harriet investigates in "Gaudy Night," and visit Christ Church where the Duke of Denver studied
* Country Investigations: Explore Fenchurch St. Paul with its famous bell tower, the Yorkshire moors of "Clouds of Witness," and the artistic community of Kirkcudbright featured in "Five Red Herrings"
Each entry includes historical context, literary connections, and precise details of its significance in Sayers' life or fiction. Illustrated with charming maps and artistic renderings, this guide transforms literary tourism into detective work itself, uncovering the authentic settings that defined the Golden Age of British mystery.
Whether planning actual visits or enjoying armchair travel, this guide offers both casual fans and dedicated Sayers scholars a deeper appreciation of how place shaped the character of one of Britain's most enduring literary figures and her beloved creations.
Includes: Annotated map, illustrated postcard, and comprehensive index of locations across 46 sites.
