Edgar Wallace

Edgar Wallace (b. 1875) is a renowned English novelist, journalist, and playwright who established himself as one of the most prolific and popular thriller writers of the twentieth century. He revolutionized the crime fiction and adventure genres through his fast-paced narratives, newspaper serials, and theatrical productions.

Born in Greenwich, London, Wallace grew up in poverty and left school at a young age before serving as a war correspondent during the Second Boer War. His experiences in South Africa and his early career in journalism profoundly shaped his gritty approach to storytelling and sharpened his instinct for sensational public appeal. Over his lifetime, he authored over 170 novels, 24 plays, and numerous short stories, often dictating his work at a furious pace to keep up with intense public demand.

In addition to his literary achievements, Wallace moved to Hollywood in 1931 to work as a screenwriter for RKO Pictures, where he co-conceived the foundational story for the cinematic masterpiece King Kong. His gripping tales became cultural touchstones, adapted into dozens of international films and cementing his enduring legacy as a master of suspense.

Essential Reading

• Sanders Of The River (1911): This classic adventure novel chronicles the exploits of a British commissioner maintaining law and order along a vast African river.
• Bosambo Of The River (1914): The thrilling narrative follows the complex political dynamics and adventurous escapades of a charismatic local ruler in West Africa.
• Lieutenant Bones (1918): This engaging collection of interconnected tales highlights the humorous and daring military exploits of a junior officer.
• The Four Just Men (1905): A groundbreaking suspense thriller about a vigilante group of international masterminds who mete out justice to criminals beyond the reach of the law.