Perhaps it would not be out of place for us, her…
““Perhaps it would not be out of place for us, her publishers, to acknowledge her. For fifty years she bullied, berated and delighted us; her insistence on the highest standards in every field of publishing was a constant challenge; her good-humour and zest for life brought warmth into our lives. That she drew great pleasure from her writing is obvious from these pages; what does not appear is the way in which she could communicate that pleasure to all those involved with her work, so that to publish her made business ceaselessly enjoyable. It is certain that both as an author and as a person Agatha Christie will remain unique. FOREWORD NIMRUD, IRAQ. 2 April 1950. Nimrud is the modern name of the ancient city of Calah, the military capital of the Assyrians. Our Expedition House is built of mud-brick. It sprawls out on the east side of the mound, and has a kitchen, a living–and dining-room, a small office, a workroom, a drawing””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Celebrates Christie’s relentless pursuit of excellence and joy in publishing, highlighting her influence on colleagues and readers alike.
In simple terms: Christie’s high standards and humor made publishing enjoyable and inspiring.
Key Takeaway
Embrace high standards with humor in your work.
Themes
excellence
humor
influence
publishing
legacy
Mood
respectful
inspirational
reflective
Type
tributeorial
celebratory
professional
When to use this quote
- editing
- writing workshops
- team leadership
- creative projects
Key Concepts
literary standards
joyful work culture
mentor impact
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance high standards with personal well‑being?
- What role does humor play in sustaining excellence?
A Different Perspective
Maintaining such standards can be exhausting and may alienate those preferring less rigor.