Erle Stanley Gardner

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Erle Stanley Gardner (July 17, 1889 – March 11, 1970) was an American author and lawyer who is best known for creating the character of Perry Mason, which became the basis for a popular television series. Gardner's prolific output included more than 80 novels featuring Mason, a defense attorney who invariably found the real culprit in court. Beyond Perry Mason, Gardner also created characters such as Donald Lam and Bertha Cool, and wrote under numerous pseudonyms, including A.A. Fair.

Early Life

Erle Stanley Gardner was born in Malden, Massachusetts, and grew up in the northern part of the state. He attended Palomar College in California but did not graduate, choosing instead to pursue a career in law. Self-taught in legal matters, Gardner passed the California bar exam and began practicing law in 1911 in Oxnard, California. His experiences as a lawyer significantly influenced his writing career, providing him with a wealth of legal knowledge and courtroom drama that would become central to his works.

Writing Career

Gardner's writing career began with the publication of his first story in 1923. He quickly became a regular contributor to pulp magazines, writing under various pseudonyms. His creation of Perry Mason in 1933 marked a turning point in his career. The first novel, The Case of the Velvet Claws, introduced readers to Mason's world of legal mystery and intrigue. Gardner's works were notable for their intricate plots, legal accuracy, and the use of courtroom drama as a mechanism for solving mysteries.

In addition to Perry Mason, Gardner created other notable series, including the Cool and Lam series, which featured the mismatched detective duo of Bertha Cool and Donald Lam. Gardner's work extended beyond fiction; he was also a passionate advocate for the wrongly accused and founded The Court of Last Resort with a group of forensic experts and lawyers to investigate and prevent wrongful convictions.

Legacy

Erle Stanley Gardner's legacy is vast. He is recognized as one of the best-selling authors of the 20th century, with his books selling more than 100 million copies worldwide. The Perry Mason television series, which aired from 1957 to 1966, further cemented Gardner's place in popular culture. The show was revived in the 1980s with a series of made-for-TV movies, and again in 2020 with a new series adaptation by HBO, showcasing the enduring appeal of Gardner's work.

Gardner's influence extends beyond entertainment; his dedication to legal accuracy and his work with The Court of Last Resort reflect his deep commitment to the justice system. His writings continue to be studied by aspiring lawyers and writers alike for their masterful blend of legal knowledge and storytelling.

Bibliography

While a comprehensive list of Gardner's works would be extensive, notable series and works include:

• Perry Mason series
• Cool and Lam series
• Doug Selby series
• Non-fiction, including works on the legal system and wrongful convictions

Death

Erle Stanley Gardner passed away on March 11, 1970, in Temecula, California. His death marked the end of a prolific career that had a lasting impact on the legal thriller genre and popular culture. Gardner's work remains a benchmark for writers and continues to entertain readers and viewers around the world.