Alan Hunter
Alan Hunter, born on June 25, 1922, in Hoveton St. John, England, is recognized as a prominent crime writer known for his compelling series featuring Chief Inspector George Gently. His early fascination with storytelling persisted despite working in his father's poultry business and serving in the Royal Air Force during World War II. Hunter published his first poetry collection, "The Norwich Poems, 1943-44," in 1945, but it was his Gently series, starting with "Gently Does It," that solidified his fame in the literary world. The series, which includes over forty novels, is notable for its intricate plots and Hunter's precise language, particularly in the portrayal of police investigations. Hunter's writing style reflects his orderly and methodical nature, paralleling the character of Gently, who is able to solve complex homicide cases that often baffle local authorities. In addition to his novels, Hunter has written three plays and adapted one of his works for the stage. His books have found international acclaim, being translated and published in several countries including Germany, Sweden, and Italy.
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Subject Terms
Alan Hunter
Writer
- Born: June 25, 1922
- Birthplace: Hoveton St. John, Norwich, England
- Died: February 26, 2005
- Place of death: England
Biography
Alan James Herbert Hunter was born in Hoveton St. John, near Norwich, England, on June 25, 1922, to poultry farmer Herbert Ernest and Isabella Andrew Hunter. He was fascinated by stories at a young age, even though at the age of fourteen he began to work in his father’s poultry business. Not even joining the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserves in 1940 could keep Hunter from writing verses and short stories any chance he got. He married Adelaide Cutbitt, an antiques dealer, on March 6, 1944, and continued serving in the reserves for two more years. Hunter published his first collection of poetry, The Norwich Poems, 1943-44, in 1945. It was ten years before he published again, and his next book, Gently Does It, began the series that would earn him world recognition as one of the most notable crime writers in history.
Hunter’s Gently series follows the career of Chief Inspector (and late Superintendent) George Gently as he takes on homicide cases that puzzle local authorities. Much like Poe’s Monsieur C. Auguste Dupin, Gently possesses those faculties of reason, instinct, and connective thinking that most ordinary policemen lack. Gently is orderly and methodical, much like Hunter himself. The series comprises more than forty novels, and all are characterized by Hunter’s exacting use of language, particularly when depicting police interrogation. In addition to the series, Hunter has also published three plays, and adapted Gently Does It for a stage production done in Harlow, England, in 1961. Many of his books have been published in Germany, Sweden, Norway, France, Italy, Spain, and Yugoslavia.