Edgar Wallace Quotes
Edgar Wallace
Edgar Wallace was a prolific British author, journalist, and playwright who wrote over 170 novels, 957 short stories, and 18 stage plays. He is best known for his crime and mystery fiction, with his most famous creation being the character of detective J.G. Reeder. Wallace’s writing career beg…Read More
Edgar Wallace was a prolific British author, journalist, and playwright who wrote over 170 novels, 957 short stories, and 18 stage plays. He is best known for his crime and mystery fiction, with his most famous creation being the character of detective J.G. Reeder. Wallace’s writing career began as a journalist, and he later turned to writing novels and plays to support his family. His works were known for their fast-paced plots, clever twists, and engaging characters. Some of his notable works include “The Four Just Men,” “The Clue of the Twisted Candle,” and “The Man Who Knew.” Wallace’s writing style and contributions to the crime genre have influenced many authors, and his works continue to be adapted into films and television shows. He remains one of the most popular and influential authors in British literature.Read Less
Edgar Wallace was a prolific British author, journalist, and playwright who wrote over 170 novels, 957 short stories, and 18 stage plays. He is best known for his crime and mystery fiction, with his most famous creation being the character of detective J.G. Reeder. Wallace’s writing career began as a journalist, and he later turned to writing novels and plays to support his family. His works were known for their fast-paced plots, clever twists, and engaging characters. Some of his notable works include “The Four Just Men,” “The Clue of the Twisted Candle,” and “The Man Who Knew.” Wallace’s writing style and contributions to the crime genre have influenced many authors, and his works continue to be adapted into films and television shows. He remains one of the most popular and influential authors in British literature.
Edgar Wallace Career Highlights
- Wallace began his career as a journalist, working for various newspapers and magazines, including the Daily Mail and the Evening News. He quickly gained recognition for his writing skills and became known for his sensationalist and fast-paced style.
- In 1905, Wallace published his first novel, “The Four Just Men,” which became an instant success and launched his career as a novelist. This book also introduced his most famous character, Inspector J.G. Reeder, who appeared in many of his subsequent novels.
- Throughout the 1910s and 1920s, Wallace wrote at an astonishing pace, often producing multiple books in a year. He became known as the “King of Thrillers” and was highly sought after by publishers.
- In 1923, Wallace wrote the screenplay for the silent film “The Crimson Circle,” which was a huge success and led to him becoming one of the highest-paid screenwriters in Hollywood.
- In addition to his crime and detective novels, Wallace also wrote adventure stories, historical fiction, and plays. He was a versatile writer who could easily switch between genres and captivate his readers with his gripping storytelling.
- In 1927, Wallace co-founded the Detection Club, an exclusive society for crime writers, with other notable authors such as Agatha Christie and G.K. Chesterton. He also served as the club’s first president.
Key Contributions by Edgar Wallace
- Wallace’s most significant contribution to literature was his creation of the modern detective novel. He introduced new elements such as complex plots, multiple suspects, and unexpected twists, which revolutionized the genre and influenced many other writers.
- His writing style was fast-paced, action-packed, and full of suspense, which made his books popular among readers of all ages. He also had a knack for creating memorable and relatable characters, which added depth to his stories.
- Wallace’s work has been adapted into numerous films, TV shows, and radio dramas, making him one of the most adapted authors in history. Some of his most famous works that have been adapted include “King Kong,” “The Four Just Men,” and “The Ringer.”
- He was also a pioneer in the film industry, writing screenplays and producing films at a time when the medium was still in its early stages. His contributions to the film industry helped shape it into what it is today.
What Sets Edgar Wallace Apart
- One of the things that set Wallace apart from other writers of his time was his incredible work ethic. He was known to write for long hours, sometimes even staying up all night to finish a book. This dedication and discipline allowed him to produce a vast body of work in a relatively short period.
- Wallace’s writing style was also unique and ahead of its time. He was not afraid to tackle controversial topics and often incorporated social commentary into his stories. This made his books not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.
- Despite his success and fame, Wallace remained humble and approachable. He was known for his generosity and often helped struggling writers by giving them advice and even financial support.
Takeaways
- Edgar Wallace’s career is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. He overcame many challenges and setbacks to become one of the most successful writers of his time.
- His contributions to the detective and crime genre have had a lasting impact and continue to influence writers today.
- Wallace’s ability to write in different genres and his versatility as a writer is something that aspiring writers can learn from. He was not afraid to experiment and was always willing to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
- Lastly, Wallace’s passion for writing and his love for storytelling is a reminder that the most important thing for a writer is to have a genuine love for their craft. This is what sets great writers apart from the rest.
Other People
Writer/Author
Writer
· England
1878 - 1957
Writer
· England
1950
Writer
1892 - 1966
