The Fourth Plague (ePub)

Edgar Wallace was a prolific British writer born on April 1, 1875, into poverty as Richard Horatio Edgar Wallace. Overcoming his humble beginnings, Wallace became a powerhouse of early 20th-century literature, particularly famed for his crime novels, thrillers, and newspaper reporting. With a career starting as a war correspondent during the Second Boer War, he transitioned to authorship, leaving an indelible mark through more than 170 novels, 18 stage plays, and numerous articles and serial stories. One of his noteworthy novels, 'The Fourth Plague,' epitomizes his mastery in weaving tales of intrigue and suspense with a backdrop of organized crime, a theme recurrent in his substantial body of work. Wallace's literary style is characterized by fast-paced narratives and an episodic format, often reflecting his background in journalism. His creativity also extended to the creation of iconic characters, such as the detective J.G. Reeder. Beyond his writings, Wallace is perhaps best known for drafting the original screenplay for the film 'King Kong,' which was posthumously adapted into the 1933 classic. Despite his passing on February 10, 1932, Wallace's legacy endures, with several of his works adapted into films and television series, prompting ongoing interest in his masterful storytelling and contributions to the crime and thriller genres.