Colin Dexter
Colin Dexter
Full Name and Common Aliases
Colin Dexter's full name is Colin Watson Dexter. He was commonly known as Colin Dexter.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 29, 1930, in Leicester, England, Colin Dexter passed away on March 21, 2017, at the age of 86.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Colin Dexter was a British novelist, best known for creating the iconic detective series featuring Inspector Morse. He held dual citizenship, being both British and Canadian by nationality.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Leicester, Colin Dexter developed an interest in writing at an early age. He attended Wyggeston Boys' Grammar School and later studied philosophy at University College, Oxford. However, it was during his time at Oxford that he began to focus on creative writing, eventually turning to mystery novels.
Major Accomplishments
Colin Dexter's most notable achievement is undoubtedly the creation of Inspector Morse, a fictional detective with a complex personality and a penchant for solving crimes in the city of Oxford. The series consists of 13 novels, published between 1975 and 1996, as well as several short stories and adaptations.
Notable Works or Actions
Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse series has been widely acclaimed for its intricate plots, memorable characters, and vivid descriptions of Oxford's history and culture. Some notable works in the series include:
_Last Bus to Woodstock_ (1975) - The first novel in the Inspector Morse series
_The Silent Companions_ (1985) - A standalone mystery novel that explores themes of family, love, and loss
Impact and Legacy
Colin Dexter's work has had a significant impact on the world of crime fiction. His creation of Inspector Morse has become an iconic figure in British literature, captivating readers with his complex personality and exceptional detective skills.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Colin Dexter is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful observations on human nature, morality, and the complexities of life. Through his work, he offers a glimpse into the darker aspects of human behavior, while also highlighting the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding.
With a career spanning over four decades, Colin Dexter has left an indelible mark on the world of crime fiction. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers, and his Inspector Morse series remains a beloved classic among readers worldwide.
Quotes by Colin Dexter
He poured himself a good measure of Glenfiddich; and shortly thereafter fell deeply asleep in the chair for more than two hours. Bliss.
As he lay abed on Sunday, 21 September, Morse was beset by the nagging feeling that there was so much to be done if only he could summon up the mental resolve to begin. It was like deferring a long-promised letter; the intention lay on the mind so heavily that the simple task seemed progressively to assume almost gigantic proportions.
Morse poured himself a can of beer. “Champagne’s a lovely drink, but it makes you thirsty, doesn’t it?
My life will not be significantly impoverished if I never see another Shakespearian comedy.
Was he really looking forward to it? They were usually a bit of anticlimax, these things. Stillit would do him good. Or serve him right.
Morse firmly believed that there was nothing so unsatisfactory as this kind of halfway house pornography; he liked it hot or not at all.
No, Lewis. Unlike you, I’ve lived a very sheltered life. I have tried to get invited along to one of these porno-parties, but everybody seems to think I’m above such things.
The secret of a happy life, Lewis, is to know when to stop and then to go that little bit further.
As a boy, he had been moved by those words of the dying Socrates, suggesting that if death were just one long, unbroken, dreamless sleep, then a greater boon could hardly be bestowed upon mankind.