Who Is P. D. James? Age, Biography, and Wiki
P. D. James was born on August 3, 1920, in Oxford, England. Renowned as one of the most influential crime writers of the 20th century, she is known for her intricate plots and compelling characterizations. Her work predominantly features detective Adam Dalgliesh and has earned her a permanent place in literary history. As of 2025, P. D. James, who passed away in 2014, would have been 105 years old. Her literary legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers and readers alike.
| Occupation | Presidents |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 3, 1920 |
| Age | 94 Years |
| Birth Place | Oxford, England |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 27 November, 2014 |
| Died Place | Oxford, England |
Popularity
P. D. James's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Though physical specifics about P. D. James are not widely documented, she was typically described as a petite woman, embodying the grace and poise reflective of her literary prowess. Her focus on storytelling and narrative development far outweighed her concern with physical appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
P. D. James was married to Ernest Connor for over 50 years until his death in 1970. The couple had two daughters, and she often attributed her writing success to the support of her family. James remained dedicated to her craft while balancing her family life, illustrating the complexities many face in pursuing a career and maintaining personal relationships. In her later years, she remained a beloved grandmother and continued to engage with her family.
She was educated at the British School in Ludlow and Cambridge High School for Girls. Her mother was committed to a mental hospital when James was in her mid-teens.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her passing in 2014, P. D. James had an estimated net worth of approximately $20 million. While her exact earnings fluctuated throughout her career as a significant figure in literature, she achieved substantial revenue from book sales, adaptations of her work into films and television, and numerous literary accolades. Her timeless novels continue to sell, contributing to her lasting financial legacy.
Career, Business, and Investments
P. D. James’s writing career began in the 1960s, and she published her first novel, "Cover Her Face," in 1962. Over the decades, she produced a plethora of works, including "The Children of Men" and "The Murder Room." Beyond writing, James served in various roles within the literary community, including as a governor of the BBC and president of the Royal Society of Literature.
P. D. James was not only a gifted author but also a savvy businesswoman. She demonstrated a keen interest in investments, ensuring her literature was translated into films and TV series, which further enhanced her income and reach.
On 7 February 1991, James was created a life peer as Baroness James of Holland Park, of Southwold in the County of Suffolk. She sat in the House of Lords as a Conservative. She was an Anglican and a lay patron of the Prayer Book Society. Her 2001 work, Death in Holy Orders, displays her familiarity with the inner workings of church hierarchy.
Her later novels were often set in a community closed in some way, such as a publishing house, barristers' chambers, a theological college, an island or a private clinic. Talking About Detective Fiction was published in 2009.
Over her writing career, James also wrote many essays and short stories for periodicals and anthologies, which have yet to be collected. She said in 2011 that The Private Patient was the final Dalgliesh novel. However, at the time of her death, she had been planning another Dalgliesh novel, set in Southwold.
Social Network
P. D. James was relatively private about her personal life but maintained a significant presence in the literary world. Following her death, social media platforms and literary networks have continued to celebrate her work, with many fans sharing tributes and discussions about her influence on crime fiction.
* "Hearing Ghote" (2006), first published in The Verdict of Us All, ed. Peter Lovesey. An earlier version of the story ("The Yo-Yo") written in 1996 was later published in Sleep No More: Six Murderous Tales in 2017.
Education
James attended the University of Cambridge's Newnham College, where she majored in English. Her formal education played a crucial role in shaping her writing style, providing her with the tools to craft intricate and engaging narratives set against the backdrop of moral dilemmas and societal issues. Her training and experiences greatly enriched the authenticity of her characters and plots.
In conclusion, while P. D. James is no longer with us, her impact on the literary world persists. Her life, marked by achievements and dedication, continues to resonate with fans and aspiring writers, making her a timeless figure in English literature.
* Knight, Stephen. "The Golden Age". In The Cambridge Companion to Crime Fiction ed. by Martin Priestman, pp 77–94. (Cambridge University Press, 2003).
