Frank G. Slaughter ​

Frank Gill Slaughter, pen-name Frank G. Slaughter, was an American novelist and physician whose books sold more than 60 million copies. His novels drew on his own experience as a doctor and his interest in history and the Bible.

Quick Facts ​

• Was an American physician and novelist.
• His novels often featured medical doctors as the heroic protagonists.
• Over 30 million copies of his novels were sold in thirty different languages.
• Some of his books, like "Doctor's Wives" and "The Interns", were made into movies and television series.
• The most popular among his books is "Your Heart Has Nine Lives".

Background ​

Slaughter was born in 1908 in Washington D.C., the son of a pioneer radiologist. He studied at Johns Hopkins University and Duke University School of Medicine, becoming a doctor. He served in the army during World War II as a surgeon, gaining experiences that would feature heavily in his writing.

After the war, he relocated to Florida and began writing in his spare time while maintaining a medical practice. He published his first novel, "That None Should Die", in 1941. He went on to write more than 50 best-selling books, many of them medical dramatizations. His novels were translated into over 20 languages, with estimated overall sales of 60 million copies. He died in 2001 at the age of 93.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Slaughter was known for his mixture of medical knowledge and historical context in his novels, giving them a unique flavor. His grasp of historical events and medical details lent his books authenticity, making them more engaging for readers. He is considered a pioneer of the medical thriller genre, and his work has been highly influential in popularizing this type of novel. His works often involved a mix of romance, medicine, and adventure, presented in a readable and popular manner.

Notable Works ​

• Sangaree (1948)
• Fort Everglades (1951)
• The Warrior (1955)
• The Purple Quest (1965)
• The Land and the Flesh (1975)
• The Scarlet Cord (1979)