| Lord Peter Wimsey | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Lord Peter Death Bredon Wimsey |
|
First Appearance |
Whose Body? (1923) |
|
Original Publisher |
T. Fisher Unwin |
|
Created by |
Dorothy L. Sayers |
Origin[]
Public domain image from the 70s TV series.
Lord Peter Wimsey is a quintessential British aristocrat and amateur detective. His adventures not only entertained but also provided a rich commentary on the social and cultural issues of his time.
The youngest son of the Duke of Denver, Peter is a tall, slender man with fair hair, a monocle, and a distinctive look that combines aristocratic elegance with a somewhat languid, yet alert, demeanor. Born in 1890, Wimsey is well-educated, having attended Eton College and Balliol College, Oxford, where he excelled in history.
Wimsey is characterized by his charm, wit, and impeccable manners, often masking his deep intelligence and acute observational skills behind a façade of flippancy. He is an avid collector of rare books and has a deep appreciation for music, especially Bach and Schubert. Despite his seemingly carefree nature, Wimsey is profoundly affected by his experiences in World War I, where he served with distinction and suffered from shell shock, leading to periodic bouts of anxiety and nightmares.
Powers and Abilities[]
A polymath, Peter is proficient in various fields including literature, history, music, and languages. His physical capabilities are noteworthy too; he is an expert fencer and an accomplished pianist. Peter's detective skills are marked by his meticulous attention to detail, logical reasoning, and ability to draw connections that elude others. He is often assisted by his faithful valet, Mervyn Bunter, who also served with him during the war and shares his passion for investigation.
Public Domain Appearances[]
Public Domain Literary Appearances[]
- Whose Body? (1923)
- Clouds of Witness (1926)
- Unnatural Death (1927) (aka The Dawson Pedigree)
- The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club (1928)
- Lord Peter Views the Body (1928)
- The Abominable History of the Man with Copper Fingers
- The Entertaining Episode of the Article in Question
- The Fascinating Problem of Uncle Meleager's Will
- The Fantastic Horror of the Cat in the Bag
- The Unprincipled Affair of the Practical Joker
- The Undignified Melodrama of the Bone of Contention
- The Vindictive Story of the Footsteps That Ran
- The Bibulous Business of a Matter of Taste
- The Learned Adventure of the Dragon's Head
- The Piscatorial Farce of the Stolen Stomach
- The Unsolved Puzzle of the Man with No Face
- The Adventurous Exploit of the Cave of Ali Baba