2 Billion Copies: New Exhibition Examines Life Behind Agatha Christie's Global Sales

The British Library in London will open a new exhibition on Oct. 30 that examines the personal history of Agatha Christie. The display, titled "Agatha Christie: A World of Mystery," coincides with the 50th anniversary of the author's death.

Christie is recognized as the best-selling novelist of all time, with her works having sold more than 2 billion copies worldwide. The exhibition aims to look beyond the finished novels to explore the life experiences that influenced her writing.

James Prichard, Christie's great-grandson and CEO of Agatha Christie Limited, stated that the show provides an insight into the woman behind the work. He noted that most people know the stories but not the person who created them.

"There’s pictures of her surfing, there’s pictures of her on roller skates… and then there’s the genesis of stuff," Prichard said. He added that the exhibit includes the story behind the poisons used in her novels.

The exhibition is divided into five immersive sections. A mock country house represents Christie's childhood and the settings of many of her books. A dispensary setup features bottles of poison and reflects her voluntary work as a nurse and pharmacy dispenser during World War One.

A 1920s-style train carriage layout explores her travels, including the inspiration for "Murder on the Orient Express." Two other sections feature a 1930s archaeological dig site and a theatre setting. These areas cover her support for archaeologists and the stage productions of her plays.

Born in Torquay in 1890, Christie created characters such as Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. The display includes her early drafts, letters, photographs, and a typewriter.