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Dick FrancisEnglish writer
Date of Birth: 31.10.1920
Country:  Great Britain |
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Biography of Dick Francis
Dick Francis, the renowned English writer, was born on December 31, 1920, in a family of professional jockeys, which greatly influenced his life. As an author of numerous detective novels set in the world of horse racing, Francis was considered a master of English detective fiction. He wrote a total of 40 novels under his literary pseudonym, with his real name being Richard Stanley Francis. The equestrian sport, with its love for horses and the spirit of competition, combined with the pursuit of justice, became a defining aspect of his life. It is not surprising, therefore, that the juxtaposition of nobility and baseness became a philosophical theme in his works.
Early Life and Career
Dick Francis started his career as a jockey, but during the war, he became an aviator. Finding many similarities between these professions, he named his fighter aircraft "Pegasus." After the war, the future writer returned to horse racing and became a champion jockey for the Royal Stables in the 1950s and 1960s.
As a writer, Dick Francis made his debut in 1957 with his autobiographical book "The Sport of Queens," which brought him widespread recognition. This prompted him to end his riding career and become a sports columnist for the newspaper "The Sunday Express," where he worked for over 15 years. It was during this time that he entered the world of fiction as a mature professional.
Notable Novels
Dick Francis's first and most successful novel was "Dead Cert" (1962), a detective story set in the world of horse racing. It explored the dynamic confrontation between good and evil. The resounding success of this novel laid the foundation for Francis's development as a writer. "Dead Cert" also showcased his defining narrative style, characterized by a reporter-like approach that detailed the intricacies of characters and their backgrounds, complemented by his extensive knowledge of the subject matter. The crime element in his novels was merely a vehicle for exploring the humanistic, romantic, and informative aspects of his stories.
His next novel, "Forfeit" (1968), also revolved around horse racing. This topic featured in the majority of his works, including "Death at the Races," "Twice Shy," "High Stakes," "Break In," "Wild Horses," and many others. However, many of his novels also delved into other fields of activity, such as geology ( "Risk"), photography ("Reflex"), radio ("Odds Against"), psychiatry ("Comeback"), and more.
Recognition and Legacy
Dick Francis received numerous literary awards throughout his career. Among them, he was honored with the Edgar Award for Best Novel for "Whip Hand" (1980) and "Come to Grief" (1996). He was also awarded the prestigious title of "Grand Master" and received three Dagger Awards: the Diamond, Gold, and Silver.
Dick Francis passed away on February 14, 2010, at the age of 90, on Grand Cayman Island. His contributions to English detective fiction, particularly his captivating stories set in the world of horse racing, have left an indelible mark on the genre.
