Original Sins (M Edwards) – 19 signature anthology
£90.00
The British Crime Writers’ Association has never before had a special edition of a short story collection. These original stories were the best, selected and edited by Martin Edwards, a respected editor and exponent of the form. Issued in 2011 it is signed by 19 authors, bringing together numerous award winning authors. It also contains exclusive to this edition, a tribute essay to the CWA’s most illustrious Dagger winner Lionel Davidson, who died in 2009.
In Stock: 9 available
Martin Edwards, successful crime writer (The Serpent Pool) and acknowledged expert on crime fiction devised this book by asking participants to write a story on the theme of ‘original sins’ – interpreted as the authors wished. The British Crime Writers’ Association has never before had a special edition of a short story collection. It is worth recalling that the Association was founded by the prolific crime author John Creasey in 1957 for the purposes of raising the prestige and profile of the mystery, detective story and crime writers generally. One of the chief means of doing do is to occasionally issue a short story collection by CWA members; another is to present the Gold and Silver Dagger Awards for the best crime novel and runner-up.
The best known participants are: Simon Brett, Ann Cleeves, Martin Edwards, Christopher Fowler, Sophie Hannah, Reginald Hill , Peter Lovesey, Rick Mofina, Barbara Nadel, Zoë Sharp, Chris Simms, Andrew Taylor, Charles Todd and Laura Wilson. This rich collection brings together Diamond, Gold and John Creasey award winners. Not only are these writers good at the short story, but they encompass the current range of crime, mystery and suspense. The other writers are Kate Ellis, Chris Ewan, Tim Heald, and Christine Poulson.
For this volume Martin Edwards suggested a special tribute to three-time Gold Dagger winner Lionel Davidson. He was one of the brightest talents in the 1960s and was the author of classics like The Rose of Tibet, A Long Way to Shiloh and Kolmysky Heights. Friends and colleagues such as Len Deighton and Anthony Price rate his work very highly. The six-page tribute essay is by Michael Johnson, owner of Scorpion Press, who kept contact with Mr Davidson over many years, delves into this important authors influences and assesses his outstanding contribution. The Scorpion edition comprises 85 numbered and signed (by 19 authors – both mother and son signed as “Charles Todd”) and 16 deluxe lettered for private distribution.
James Crumley, The Mexican Tree Duck
John Buchan, Courts of the Morning 1st
Rating by Zuma on July 9, 2012 :
The CWA and Martin Edwards deliver 24 caret crime fiction quality again. Recommended to all lovers of crime fiction who like to dabble in a short story at the end of a long day. Zuma on Amazon
Rating by Cheshire Review on July 9, 2012 :
LEADING crime writing lawyer Martin Edwards is launching a new book of short stories for Christmas.
Mr Edwards, who lives in Lymm and is head of employment law at Manchester based law firm Mace & Jones, has compiled and edited the latest edition of the Crime Writers Association Anthology Original Sins.
The book features 16 short stories from the cream of international professional crime writers on the theme of ‘original sins’. Authors include Sophie Hannah, Reginald Hill, and Laura Wilson as well as 54-year-old Mr Edwards.
He said: “Original Sins is without doubt one of the strongest ever collection of stories produced by the association.
“It really does make a perfect stocking filler for crime fiction fans.
“And Christmas of course is a terrific time for storytelling.”
Mr Edwards, married to Helena, says Original Sins is the 17th edition of the CWA’s annual anthology he has edited.
“It is a great privilege to edit the CWA anthology,” he said.
“One further bit of news which I’m really pleased about is that there will be a deluxe signed limited edition of Original Sins, published by Scorpion Press.
“Scorpion produces lovely books, and many of them have become collectors’ items.
“This one also includes a special tribute to the late spy thriller novelist Lionel Davidson written by Scorpion’s Michael Johnson.”
Rating by Crime Writers as hoarders of Knowledge – SCORPION PRESS on January 9, 2023 :
[…] I would like to finish this with a comment on the remarkable performance of the Balliol College, Oxford team in the Christmas University Challenge shown on the BBC. Team captain and crime writer Martin Edwards is renowned for knowledge of the detective story. He was spot on answering questions correctly on diverse subjects. He showed – in devastating fashion – that he indeed has a broad range of knowledge. He edited the 19 signature anthology Original Sins. […]