Whose Body? · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The endnotes provide scholarly commentary on Lord Peter Wimsey's collection of rare books, including early editions of Dante and Apollonios Rhodios, and include a legal citation regarding motive in criminal cases, reflecting on the themes o
What happens
The endnotes provide scholarly commentary on Lord Peter Wimsey's collection of rare books, including early editions of Dante and Apollonios Rhodios, and include a legal citation regarding motive in criminal cases, reflecting on the themes of the Battersea Mystery.
Themes in this chapter
Crime and Detection
The legal citation discusses the significance of motive in criminal trials, directly relating to the detection and prosecution of crime.
Wealth and Corruption
Lord Peter's rare book collection and the questionable provenance of the Naples folio hint at wealth and potential acquisition through dubious means.
Characters to notice
- Lord Peter Wimsey
Mentioned as the collector of rare Dantes and other works, and as the solver of the Battersea Mystery.
- Mr. Parker
Noted for his private belief about the provenance of Lord Peter's Naples folio of Dante.
Key passages
“Lord Peter’s own account is that he “picked it up in a little place in the hills,” when making a walking-tour through Italy.”
Lord Peter claims he found the rare book by chance while hiking in the Italian hills.
This paraphrases Lord Peter's explanation for acquiring the Naples folio of Dante.
“The excitement attendant on the solution of the Battersea Mystery did not prevent Lord Peter from securing this rare work before his departure for Corsica.”
Even after solving the Battersea Mystery, Lord Peter made sure to acquire the rare Apollonios Rhodios before leaving for Corsica.
This highlights Lord Peter's continued bibliophilic pursuits despite the recent case.