Arthur Upfield

Arthur William Upfield (1 September 1890 – 12 February 1964) was an English/Australian writer, best known for his works of detective fiction featuring Detective Inspector Napoleon Bonaparte ("Bony") of the Queensland Police Force, a half-caste Aborigine.

Born in England, Upfield moved to Australia in 1911 and fought with the Australian military during the First World War. Following his war service, he travelled extensively throughout Australia, obtaining a knowledge of Australian Aboriginal culture that he would later use in his written works. In addition to writing detective fiction, Upfield was a member of the Australian Geological Society and was involved in numerous scientific expeditions. In the 1970s his books were the basis for an Australian television series entitled "Boney".

Early life

Upfield was born in Gosport, Hampshire, England on 1 September 1890. His father was a draper. In 1910, after he did poorly in examinations towards becoming a real estate agent, Upfield's father sent him to Australia.