Erle Stanley Gardner

Profession: Detective Writer

Nationality:

Why Famous: Erle Stanley Gardner was a prolific writer who wrote nearly 100 detective novels and became the best-selling American author of his time.

Gardener started writing in the 1930s in pulp magazines. His most famous character is crusading lawyer Perry Mason who was later adapted for radio, for a TV series starring Raymond Burr and for films.

Other successful series including Cool and Lam and Doug Selby.

Born: July 17, 1889
Birthplace: Malden, Massachusetts, USA

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: March 11, 1970 (aged 80)