Alexander McCall Smith ​

R. Alexander "Sandy" McCall Smith is a British-Zimbabwean author and Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh. He is internationally known as a writer of fiction, with sales of English-language versions exceeding 40 million by 2010 and translations into 46 languages. He is most widely known as the creator of the The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

Quick Facts ​

• Has written and contributed to more than 60 books in fiction and non-fiction.
• Many novels are part of his popular series, "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency".
• His works have been translated into 46 languages.
• In 2007, he received a British Book Awards Author of the Year.
• The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency was adapted into a TV series by the BBC and HBO.
• His books have sold over 40 million copies worldwide.

Background ​

Alexander McCall Smith was born in 1948 in Rhodesia, now known as Zimbabwe. He was educated at Christian Brothers College before moving to Scotland to study law at the University of Edinburgh. After completing his studies, he returned to Botswana to teach law at the University of Botswana. During this time he co-authored 'The Forensic Aspects of Sleep' which was the first textbook to examine the legal aspects of sleep disorders.

In 1981, he returned to Scotland to take up a post as a Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh, a position he held until 2005. He published his first book in the internationally acclaimed 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series in 1998, which has since been translated into 45 languages and sold over 20 million copies worldwide. He has also written several other series including 'The Sunday Philosophy Club', '44 Scotland Street' and 'Corduroy Mansions'. One of his most distinctive attributes as a writer is his ability to explore the human condition and intricacies of moral issues in his works.

Writing Style and Impact ​

McCall Smith's writing style is renowned for its charm, wit, and insight into human nature. His novels are marked by richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions that capture the essence of the places where they are set. His work has been praised for its heartwarming positivity and complex ethical questions they raise. He is acclaimed for his contribution in portraying daily life in Botswana, and his work has played a significant role in putting African literature on the global map.

Notable Works ​

• The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series (1998-present)
• The Sunday Philosophy Club series (2004-2015)
• The 44 Scotland Street series (2005-present)
• The Von Igelfeld series (1997-2003)