Mickey Spillane

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Lieutenant Frank Spillane, USAAF Instructor Pilot

Mickey spillane 1973

Mickey Spillane (March 9, 1918 – July 17, 2006) was an American author of crime fiction, particularly known for his series of novels featuring his signature character, Mike Hammer. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Spillane began his career writing for comic books including major characters like Superman and Batman. However, it was his transition to adult crime novels that marked his enduring legacy in the world of fiction.

Early Life

Mickey Spillane, born Frank Morrison Spillane, grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and later graduated from Erasmus High School in Brooklyn. He started writing while in high school and continued his passion into his college years, though he attended college for only a short period before enlisting in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.

Career

After the war, Spillane decided to become a full-time writer. His first novel, I, the Jury (1947), introduced the world to Mike Hammer, a tough private investigator who would become one of the most iconic characters in the crime genre. The success of I, the Jury led to a series of Mike Hammer novels, which were known for their fast-paced action, sexual content, and the protagonist's rough-and-tumble approach to justice.

Spillane's writing style was direct and visceral, with short, punchy sentences that mirrored the action of his plots. He was a master of the "twist ending," and his books often featured complex plots that kept readers guessing until the final pages.

Throughout his career, Spillane wrote more than 30 novels, along with short stories, screenplays, and works in other genres. However, it was the Mike Hammer series that remained his most popular and enduring contribution to literature.

Personal Life

Mickey Spillane was married three times and had four children. He was known for his larger-than-life personality and his love of flying, fishing, and drinking Coca-Cola, which he often mentioned in interviews.

Legacy

Mickey Spillane's influence on the crime genre cannot be overstated. He was one of the best-selling authors of his time, with millions of copies of his books sold worldwide. His work has been adapted into films, television series, and radio programs, bringing the character of Mike Hammer to a wide audience.

Spillane's approach to storytelling, with its emphasis on action and moral clarity, helped to define the hard-boiled detective genre. He was awarded numerous honors for his contributions to literature, including the Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America.

Spillane passed away in 2006 at the age of 88, but his work continues to be read and appreciated by fans of crime fiction around the world.

Bibliography

• I, the Jury (1947)
• My Gun Is Quick (1950)
• Vengeance Is Mine! (1950)
• The Big Kill (1951)
• Kiss Me, Deadly (1952)
• The Girl Hunters (1962)
• The Snake (1964)
• The Twisted Thing (1966)
• The Body Lovers (1967)
• Survival... Zero! (1970)
• The Killing Man (1989)
• Black Alley (1996)