Erle Stanley Gardner ​

Erle Stanley Gardner was an American author and lawyer, known for his popular legal thrillers. His most notable work includes the Perry Mason series, which consists of 80 novels and short stories. His books have had great commercial success and have been adapted into several films and a long-running TV series.

Quick Facts ​

• Known best for his detective stories featuring the character Perry Mason.
• Most of his books were published in the magazine The Saturday Evening Post.
• More than his 135 million copies of his books published in America alone.
• His books have been translated into a variety of different languages.
• Many of his works were adapted into successful television series and films.

Background ​

Gardner was born in 1889 in Malden, Massachusetts, into a working-class family. He completed his law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law in Indiana. After suffering from a pulmonary infection, Gardner moved to California where he took up various jobs, including boxing, before establishing his law practice. However, he was more drawn towards writing than law and in 1921, his first story "Nellie’s Naughty Nephew" was published. By 1933 Gardner gave up his law practice and dedicated his time to writing. He wrote numerous novels, but was most famous for his Perry Mason series, which was adapted into a long-running TV show. The series became immensely popular, and Gardner became one of the best-selling authors of the 20th century. He passed away in 1970.

Writing Style and Impact ​

A prolific writer, Gardner's stories often feature complex, plot-driven narratives which consistently show an intricate knowledge of criminal law. His best-known works are his Perry Mason stories, characterized by twists, turns, and surprise endings that keep readers captivated. Despite criticism for his lack of character depth, he has had a considerable impact on the legal thriller genre and has set a standard for subsequent writers in the field.

Notable Works ​

• Perry Mason series (1933-1973)
• A.A Fair novels (1941-1970)
• D.A. Series (1955-1957)
• Cool and Lam series (1939-1970)
• Doug Selby series (1935-1949)