Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace was a prominent American author and screenwriter, best known for his popular and engaging novels. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. From a young age, Wallace demonstrated a proficiency for writing, selling stories to magazines as a teenager. His writing continued throughout his service in World War II, where he served alongside Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, in the Frank Capra unit in Fort Fox. Additionally, Wallace served in the First Motion Picture Unit of the Army Air Force.

After the war, Wallace became a Hollywood screenwriter, collaborating on films such as "The West Point Story," "Split Second," and "Meet Me at the Fair." His time in Hollywood provided him with valuable experience and knowledge of the film industry, which would benefit him in his future endeavors. Following several years in Hollywood, Wallace decided to focus solely on writing books, publishing 33 books during his lifetime.

Wallace's novels were highly regarded by the general public for their entertainment value and accessibility. His ability to understand and cater to his audience's interests resulted in a successful career in both the film and literature industries. Although the critical establishment may have viewed his work as somewhat lowbrow, Wallace's success is undeniable. His books, including "The Chapman Report," "The Prize," "The Man," and "The Word," were extensively researched and tackled a variety of complex and thought-provoking topics.

Wallace was a prolific writer who knew his audience and what they were looking for in their reading material. He was the father of Olympic historian David Wallechinsky and author Amy Wallace, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence writers and readers alike. Irving Wallace's contributions to American literature and film have left a lasting impact on the industry, and his work remains popular and relevant to this day.