Orion and Virago to revive writings of Nancy Spain

The work of Nancy Spain, billed as "one of the most celebrated, amusing and controversial journalists, personalities and writers of the 1940s–'60s", is to be reissued by both Virago Modern Classics and Weidenfeld and Nicolson later this year.

Hoping to revive Spain's writing this winter, the two Hachette publishers will be making her books available for the first time in decades. A selection of her comic detective novels, starting with Death Goes on Skis, will be reissued as Virago Modern Classics, while W&N will publish Spain's memoirs Why I’m not a Millionaire and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way.

Rights were acquired from Norah Perkins and Becky Brown at Curtis Brown Heritage.

Long-time admirer Sandi Toksvig wrote of Spain in a new introduction: "Her detective novels are hilarious—less about detecting than delighting, with absurd farce and a wonderful turn of phrase... Nancy Spain was bold, she was brave, she was funny, she was feisty. I owe her a great deal."

Orion group associate publisher Juliet Ewers commented: "Nancy Spain wasn’t just a terrific writer, she was also the perfect example of living your own, best life. Her memoirs reflect this exuberance, warmth, and a boundless curiosity about other people’s experiences. After her tragically early death [Spain died in a plane crash aged 45], Noel Coward said, 'It is cruel that all that gaiety, intelligence and vitality should be snuffed out, when so many bores and horrors are left living'."

Donna Coonan, editorial director for Virago Modern Classics, added: "Spain’s writing is charming and funny, brimming with jokes and wonderful period detail. Her novels are fast-moving crime capers that don’t take themselves too seriously—P G Wodehouse meets 'The Pink Panther', with the plotting of Agatha Christie and the archness of Nancy Mitford. Perfect escapist reads that will make you chuckle."

Death Goes on Skis is released on 5th November and Why I'm Not a Millionaire on 10th December.