Earl Derr Biggers

Earl Derr Biggers was born in Warren, Ohio, in 1884 and graduated from Harvard University. He began his career as a journalist and humorist before turning to fiction. His first novel, "The House Without a Key" (1925), introduced the world to Detective Charlie Chan, a Honolulu police officer who became a groundbreaking character in American literature. Biggers wrote six Chan novels in total, including "The Chinese Parrot" (1926) and "Behind That Curtain" (1928), each noted for their intricate puzzles and respectful portrayal of Chan as a shrewd, dignified detective. Unlike many stereotypes of the era, Biggers' Chan was a positive, intelligent figure. Biggers died in 1933 at age 48, but his creation lived on through numerous films and adaptations. His novels helped popularize the mystery genre and remain admired for their craftsmanship and cultural significance.