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One of the world’s most prolific and best-loved authors Alexander McCall Smith talks about his life and work.

McCall Smith worked for many years as a professor of medical law before turning his hand to writing. Publication of his The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series turned him into a household name and allowed him to devote his time to writing. The series has sold than 20 million copies in English alone, and his books have been translated into 46 languages and have topped bestseller lists around the globe. He is also author of the popular 44 Scotland Street novels, the Isabel Dalhousie novels, the von Igfeld series and other standalone novels and works of non-fiction.

The sheer volume of his work – four or five new books a year – makes McCall Smith stand out, as does the dry humour and gentle humanity the books contain. His latest works include Precious and Grace, the 17th book in The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series; A Distant View of Everything, eleventh in the Isabel Dalhousie series; and The Sands of Shark Island, the second book in the School Ship Tobermory series for younger readers.

Here he talks to writer and journalist Paul Blezard.

Sponsored by Blackwell’s.