The Labours of Hercules

6W Agatha Christie. London: Collins, The Crime Club. 1951. Second Edition.

Notes

The Labours of Hercules, first published in 1947, is a collection of short stories by Agatha Christie featuring her celebrated detective Hercule Poirot. Inspired by the twelve labours of the mythological hero Hercules, Poirot sets out to undertake a final series of twelve cases before his retirement, each loosely reflecting one of the classical tasks. The stories take him through a variety of settings and situations, from theft and deception to murder and mystery, allowing Christie to showcase Poirot’s keen intellect and methodical approach to solving crimes. The collection highlights her skill in crafting concise yet engaging mysteries, each with its own distinct puzzle and resolution.

Agatha Christie (1890–1976), often called the “Queen of Crime,” was one of the most prolific and widely read authors of detective fiction. Through characters such as Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, she helped define the structure and appeal of the modern mystery story. The Labours of Hercules is notable as one of the later Poirot works, reflecting both her enduring creativity and her ability to reimagine classical themes within the framework of detective fiction. The collection remains a valued part of her extensive body of work, admired for its ingenuity and its unique blending of mythological inspiration with classic mystery storytelling.

Description

Royal blue binding. White mark to lower edge. Original dust wrapper. Edge wear.