Arthur Upfield was an English-Australian crime fiction writer, best known for his detective fiction featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte, or Bony. He was born on September 1, 1890, in Gosport, Hampshire, England, and died on February 13, 1964, in Bowral, New South Wales, Australia.
Upfield moved to Australia in 1911, where he worked in various roles, including goldminer, boundary rider, and camel driver in the Western Australian outback. These experiences exposed him to the Australian landscape, indigenous culture, and unique outback life, which later became prominent themes in his novels.
His first book, "The House of Cain," was published in 1928, but it was his novel "The Barrakee Mystery" (1929) that introduced Bony, the half-Aboriginal detective. Bony, who solved crimes using his detective skills as well as his deep understanding of Aboriginal culture and tracking abilities, became Upfield's most beloved and iconic character.
Upfield wrote a total of 29 Bony novels, with some of the notable titles including "The Sands of Windee" (1931), "The Bone is Pointed" (1938), and "Wings Above the Diamantina" (1953). These novels not only provided intriguing mysteries but also offered a rich and detailed portrayal of Australia's vast landscapes, its ruggedness, and its people.
Upfield's writing style focused on precise details and meticulous research, often incorporating real-life circumstances and crimes into his stories. His strong sense of place and his portrayal of Indigenous culture considered him an influential voice in Australian crime fiction.
Despite being a popular and successful writer, Upfield faced criticism for his portrayal of Aboriginal characters and cultural elements, which had nuances of the prevailing racist attitudes of the time. However, many readers appreciate his efforts to highlight Aboriginal culture and dispel stereotypes through the character of Bony.
The legacy of Arthur Upfield and his Bony novels continues to be felt in Australian crime fiction. His books were adapted into the successful television series "Bony" in the 1990s, and his influence can be seen in the works of contemporary Australian crime writers who draw inspiration from his rich descriptions of the country's landscapes and his intriguing detective stories.
Ne Demek sitesindeki bilgiler kullanıcılar vasıtasıyla veya otomatik oluşturulmuştur. Buradaki bilgilerin doğru olduğu garanti edilmez. Düzeltilmesi gereken bilgi olduğunu düşünüyorsanız bizimle iletişime geçiniz. Her türlü görüş, destek ve önerileriniz için iletisim@nedemek.page