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‘A Good Year’ author dies
Peter Mayle, the author behind a number of fictional books set in Provence with wine at their heart, has died aged 78.
Mayle died earlier this week in Provence after a short illness it was reported.
Originally from Brighton, Mayle moved to Provence in 1987 with the aim of writing a novel, the result of which was the very successful, ‘A Year in Provence’.
Wine featured heavily in many of his works most notably ‘A Good Year’ about a flashy City banker who discovers the pleasures of a slower, more honest life when he inherits a priceless vineyard in the south of France.
The book was adapted into a 2006 film by Ridley Scott with Russell Crowe in the title role.
In more recent years Mayle wrote a quartet of ‘Caper’ books, which also included books in which wine featured prominently, most notably ‘The Vintage Caper’ about a wine collection that gets stolen.
Sad. A lot of nasty things have been said and written about Mayle by people who disliked the fact that he attracted many people to discover the Luberon and settle there. However they did not complain their house prices shot up! RIP. I loved your books Peter. Thanks for the pleasure you gave many of us.
Peter’s sad departure leaves a large gap in the world’s cultural elite, generosity and humor were not just his allies, he was on so many occasions their innovator. When Penguin decided to publish an illustrated version of A Year In Provence, I had just completed the label art work on a wine of the same name. We spent two memorable years together touring the UK conjointly promoting both. They were years never to be forgotten. Sleep well dear friend………….Michael
RIP . I Loved your Books