Edgar Wallace

Edgar Wallace was a British writer, born in Greenwich, London in 1875. He was given up for adoption by his mother, who was an actor, when he was just a week old. Despite his humble beginnings, Wallace had an extroverted personality and enjoyed his childhood with his foster family. He tried his hand at various jobs in his youth before joining the army and being sent to South Africa. However, he soon realized that military life was not for him and returned to London, where he began his career as a crime reporter for the Daily Mail. It was during this time that he adopted the surname "Wallace," inspired by the author of "Ben Hur," General Lew Wallace.

As a journalist, Edgar Wallace quickly made a name for himself with his incisive reporting and captivating storytelling. However, it was not until he turned his attention to fiction that he truly gained widespread recognition. Wallace became one of the most popular and prolific writers of the 20th century, producing over 175 novels, 40 short story collections, 24 plays, and countless articles in journals and newspapers in less than three decades. His writing was characterized by its fast-paced and thrilling style, and he was particularly known for his crime novels and detective stories.

Wallace's works have been adapted into over 160 films, making him one of the most filmed authors of all time. His most famous creations include the J. G. Reeder detective stories, "The Four Just Men," "The Ringer," and the Green Archer character. In addition to his contributions to literature and journalism, Wallace also played a significant role in the creation of the iconic movie "King Kong." He wrote the early screenplay and story for the film, as well as a short story "King Kong" (1933) credited to him and Draycott Dell. Despite his passing in 1932, Wallace's legacy continues to endure, and his name remains synonymous with the mystery genre.