A British writer and composer, best known for his humorous detective novels featuring amateur sleuth Gervase Fen, blending wit, mystery, and music. His works are still widely read and adapted today.
Edmund Crispin, the pseudonym of Robert Bruce Montgomery, was a British crime writer and composer who left an indelible mark on the literary and cinematic world. He is best known for his Gervase Fen novels, a series of ingenious whodunits that blended wit, humor, and intricate plotting, as well as his iconic musical scores for the early films in the Carry On series.
Montgomery was born on October 2, 1921, in Chesham Bois, Buckinghamshire, to Robert Ernest Montgomery and Marion Blackwood. His family later settled in Hanwell, London, where he was raised in a rural setting. He was educated at Merchant Taylors' School and graduated from St. John's College, Oxford, in 1943, with a BA in modern languages. During his time at Oxford, he became friends with renowned authors Philip Larkin and Kingsley Amis.
Crispin's crime fiction series, featuring the inimitable Professor Gervase Fen, a lovable and eccentric professor of English literature, has been hailed for its clever plots, witty dialogue, and vivid characters. The series includes nine novels, starting with The Case of the Gilded Fly (1944) and ending with The Glimpses of the Moon (1977). Crispin's unique blend of humor, erudition, and suspense has captivated readers and inspired a new generation of crime writers.
As a composer, Crispin made significant contributions to British cinema, scoring music for numerous films, including six Carry On movies. His iconic theme for the Carry On series has become synonymous with British comedy. He also composed vocal and choral music, including the acclaimed An Oxford Requiem (1951).
Crispin's life was marked by a strong sense of camaraderie and a passion for the arts. He encouraged Philip Larkin's writing ambitions and was known for his convivial nature and love of good company. Despite struggling with personal demons and health issues, Crispin continued to write and compose until his untimely death on September 15, 1978. His legacy as a master of the whodunit and a pioneer of British comedy remains unrivaled.
Edmund Crispin's remarkable body of work continues to delight audiences and inspire artists to this day. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of creativity, wit, and imagination.
Born in 1874
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94 Years Old
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