Edgar Wallace (1875–1932) was a prolific British writer, journalist, and playwright, best known for his crime thrillers and mysteries. Born in London, Wallace had a challenging childhood, eventually joining the army and later working as a war correspondent. He gained fame for his fast-paced, gripping novels, often centered around police investigations and criminal masterminds. Wallace's most famous creation is "The Four Just Men," and he is also credited with contributing to the original script of the classic film "King Kong." Over his lifetime, he wrote more than 170 novels, 18 stage plays, and numerous short stories. Wallace's works were hugely popular in the early 20th century, and his storytelling continues to influence the crime genre today.