Author. Also known as Josephine Tey and Gordon Daviot, she was born in Inverness, Scotland. She attended college in Birmingham, England and was for many years a physical education teacher. When she was forced to give up teaching in order to care for her invalid father she began writing. As Gordon Daviot she wrote a dozen one-act plays and another dozen full-length plays, only four of which were produced during her lifetime. The most famous of her plays was ‘Richard of Bordeaux’ which was produced in 1932, starred John Gielgud, and enjoyed great success. Her 1936 novel, 'A Shilling for Candles' became the basis for Alfred Hitchcock's 1937 movie ‘Young and Innocent’. Among the plays by Gordon Daviot are "The Laughing Woman," "Queen of Scots," and "The Stars Bow Down." As Daviot she also wrote the novels "Kif," "The Expensive Halo," and "The Man in the Queue." But it was probably as Josephine Tey that she reached her greatest success. Under that name she wrote mystery novels most featuring Scotland Yard Inspector Alan Grant. Some of her Tey novels are considered classics such as “Miss Pym Disposes”, “Brat Farrar”, “To Love and Be Wise”, and perhaps her most famous novel “The Daughter of Time” which focuses on the real life puzzle of whether King Richard III murdered his nephews popularly known as the Princes in the Tower. It was to be her last book, published shortly before her death at age 55. Her memorial service was attended by her friends including Sir John Gielgud, actress Dame Edith Evans, and author Elizabeth Kyle. She left her estate to the National Trust
Author. Also known as Josephine Tey and Gordon Daviot, she was born in Inverness, Scotland. She attended college in Birmingham, England and was for many years a physical education teacher. When she was forced to give up teaching in order to care for her invalid father she began writing. As Gordon Daviot she wrote a dozen one-act plays and another dozen full-length plays, only four of which were produced during her lifetime. The most famous of her plays was ‘Richard of Bordeaux’ which was produced in 1932, starred John Gielgud, and enjoyed great success. Her 1936 novel, 'A Shilling for Candles' became the basis for Alfred Hitchcock's 1937 movie ‘Young and Innocent’. Among the plays by Gordon Daviot are "The Laughing Woman," "Queen of Scots," and "The Stars Bow Down." As Daviot she also wrote the novels "Kif," "The Expensive Halo," and "The Man in the Queue." But it was probably as Josephine Tey that she reached her greatest success. Under that name she wrote mystery novels most featuring Scotland Yard Inspector Alan Grant. Some of her Tey novels are considered classics such as “Miss Pym Disposes”, “Brat Farrar”, “To Love and Be Wise”, and perhaps her most famous novel “The Daughter of Time” which focuses on the real life puzzle of whether King Richard III murdered his nephews popularly known as the Princes in the Tower. It was to be her last book, published shortly before her death at age 55. Her memorial service was attended by her friends including Sir John Gielgud, actress Dame Edith Evans, and author Elizabeth Kyle. She left her estate to the National Trust
Bio by: Iola
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