Classic Pulp Fiction Writers: The Authors Behind 20th-Century Genre Classics

Edgar Rice Burroughs: The Creator of Tarzan and John Carter

Edgar Rice Burroughs is one of the most recognizable names from the world of pulp fiction. Known primarily for creating Tarzan of the Apes and the John Carter of Mars series, Burroughs established an enduring legacy. Tarzan, first published in 1912, introduced readers to the idea of a “noble savage” who must navigate both the jungles of Africa and the intricacies of civilized society.

His writing style is known for its fast-paced, action-driven storytelling and vivid imagination. He created richly detailed worlds, like the African jungles of Tarzan and the alien landscapes of John Carter of Mars, filled with exotic settings and larger-than-life characters. Burroughs used straightforward language, making his stories accessible and easy to follow. His descriptive scenes and relentless action kept readers engaged. His ability to balance adventure with strong character development helped define early 20th-century pulp fiction.

Burroughs’s other major work, the Barsoom series (featuring John Carter), explored distant a new mars filled with aliens aliens and futuristic technology. These stories thrilled audiences with their wild imagination and Burroughs’ ability to craft vivid, exciting worlds.

H.P. Lovecraft: Master of Cosmic Horror

H.P. Lovecraft’s contributions to the genre of horror are unparalleled. His works, such as The Call of Cthulhu and At the Mountains of Madness, delve into the themes of existential dread and cosmic indifference. Lovecraft’s mythos, including creatures like Cthulhu and the Elder Gods, has spawned an entire subgenre known as Lovecraftian horror.

Lovecraft’s writing style is characterized by its dense, atmospheric prose and focus on creating a sense of dread. He often used elaborate, archaic language to build an eerie, otherworldly tone. Lovecraft relied on suggestion and ambiguity, leaving much of the terror to the reader’s imagination. His themes of unknown, unfathomable forces and humanity’s insignificance set his work apart, making him a master of existential horror.

Though his works were not widely recognized during his lifetime, Lovecraft’s popularity has soared since. His influence is seen in books, films, and video games. His use of atmosphere and ambiguity helped create a sense of otherworldly terror that has yet to be matched.

Robert E. Howard: Father of Sword and Sorcery

Best known as the creator of Conan the Barbarian, Robert E. Howard introduced the world to a new form of heroic fantasy. With his vivid descriptions of brutal combat and exotic landscapes, Howard’s stories of Conan, Kull, and Solomon Kane became benchmarks in the genre of sword and sorcery.

Howard’s writing style is bold, energetic, and action-packed. His style is known for its vivid descriptions of combat and adventure. His prose is direct and intense, often focusing on primal themes of survival, strength, and the clash between civilization and barbarism. Howard’s characters, like Conan, are larger-than-life heroes who navigate brutal and exotic landscapes. His storytelling emphasizes fast-paced action and strong emotions, making his tales of sword and sorcery highly engaging and influential in fantasy literature.

Robert E. Howard’s legacy lives on not only through countless adaptations of Conan but also through modern fantasy literature.

Dashiell Hammett: Innovator of Hard-Boiled Detective Fiction

Dashiell Hammett revolutionized the detective genre with his hard-boiled prose and morally complex characters. His work for Black Mask magazine, particularly The Maltese Falcon and The Continental Op stories, presented gritty urban landscapes filled with corruption and danger.

Dashiell Hammett’s writing style is known for its sharp, minimalist prose and gritty realism. He pioneered the hard-boiled detective genre with straightforward language, focusing on action and dialogue. Hammett’s characters, like Sam Spade, are tough, morally ambiguous, and operate in corrupt, dangerous worlds. His stories are fast-paced, with complex plots and a sense of cynicism that reflected the harsh realities of life. This direct, no-nonsense style made Hammett a defining voice in crime fiction.

Hammett’s characters, like Sam Spade, stood in stark contrast to the more polished detectives of previous eras. His style paved the way for later writers like Raymond Chandler and Ross Macdonald.

Raymond Chandler: The Creator of Philip Marlowe

Raymond Chandler is often considered the successor to Dashiell Hammett in the world of detective fiction. His most famous creation, Philip Marlowe, was introduced in The Big Sleep in 1939. Marlowe, a complex, world-weary private eye, set the standard for hard-boiled detectives.

Chandler’s writing style is marked by poetic, descriptive language and sharp, witty dialogue. He elevated the hard-boiled detective genre with vivid metaphors and a unique voice. Chandler’s characters, especially private detective Philip Marlowe, are complex and introspective. His stories often feature intricate plots and a strong sense of atmosphere, capturing the dark, shadowy side of Los Angeles.

Chandler’s mix of hard-boiled toughness and lyrical writing made him a master of crime fiction and elevated the detective genre. His sharp wit, intricate plots, and memorable characters ensured his place as one of the most respected authors of the 20th century.

Lester Dent: The Architect Behind Doc Savage

Lester Dent is synonymous with Doc Savage, the superhuman protagonist he created in 1933. Dent’s work on the Doc Savage series, often published under the pseudonym Kenneth Robeson, blended elements of adventure, science fiction, and detective stories.

Dent’s writing style is dynamic and fast-paced with action-packed sequences and imaginative plots. Dent’s stories are filled with high-energy adventure, scientific marvels, and exotic locations. His prose is straightforward and engaging, designed to keep readers hooked and helped define the superhero genre.

Clark Ashton Smith: The Dreamer of Strange Worlds

Clark Ashton Smith, a contemporary and friend of H.P. Lovecraft, was known for his highly imaginative fantasy and horror. His contributions to Weird Tales magazine, particularly the stories set in his fictional worlds of Zothique, Hyperborea, and Averoigne, were a perfect blend of cosmic horror and dark fantasy.

Smith’s writing style is richly atmospheric and poetic, characterized by elaborate and imaginative descriptions. He crafted elaborate, dream-like worlds with a focus on dark fantasy and cosmic horror. Smith’s prose often features lush, evocative language that enhances the otherworldly and mystical elements of his stories.

Smith’s distinctive style set him apart in the world of pulp fiction and though less well-known than his peers, his works have had a lasting influence on fantasy and horror writers.

A. Merritt: Master of Lost Worlds

A. Merritt was another giant of early pulp fantasy, specializing in tales of lost civilizations. His works, such as The Moon Pool and The Face in the Abyss, showcased mysterious ruins, ancient evils, and otherworldly beings.

A. Merritt’s writing style is known for its rich, descriptive prose and sense of wonder. He crafted elaborate, fantastical worlds filled with ancient mysteries and exotic adventures. Merritt’s storytelling is characterized by its vivid imagery and dramatic, larger-than-life plots. His use of atmospheric detail and dramatic narrative pulls readers into his imaginative settings, creating a sense of grandeur and excitement.

His ability to transport readers to alien worlds made him a favorite among pulp readers.

Leigh Brackett: Queen of Space Opera

Leigh Brackett is often referred to as the “Queen of Space Opera” for her thrilling tales of interplanetary adventure. Brackett’s most famous works include The Sword of Rhiannon and The Planetary Stories.

Brackett’s writing style is known for its brisk, action-oriented prose and strong, character-driven narratives. Her space opera tales feature fast-paced adventures set in vividly imagined, interplanetary worlds. Brackett’s storytelling combines energetic action with rich, atmospheric detail. Her dialogue is sharp and dynamic, reflecting the tough, resourceful characters she created.

Her influence can still be seen in modern science fiction and fantasy films. She was notable for her work on Hollywood screenplays, including contributions to The Empire Strikes Back.

L. Ron Hubbard: Early Pioneer of Pulp Adventure and Sci-Fi

Before becoming the founder of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard was a prolific pulp fiction writer. His early works included adventure stories and science fiction tales like Battlefield Earth. Hubbard’s talent for fast-paced storytelling made him a popular figure in the pulp world.

Like a lot of pulp, his writing style is fast-paced with engaging narratives and vivid descriptions. Hubbard’s prose is straightforward and action-driven and his storytelling often blends adventure with speculative elements. Hubbard’s ability to create gripping, page-turning stories made him a popular figure in pulp fiction.

Though his later life was controversial, Hubbard’s pulp writing was influential in shaping the adventure and sci-fi genres in the early 20th century.

E. E. “Doc” Smith: The Father of Space Opera

E. E. “Doc” Smith’s Lensman and Skylark series were groundbreaking in the field of space opera. His tales of intergalactic warfare with larger-than-life heroes set the stage for modern sci-fi epics.

Smith’s writing style is distinguished by its grand, sweeping narratives and imaginative scope. Known for pioneering the space opera , Smith’s prose is direct and action-packed, focusing on epic intergalactic battles and futuristic technology. His stories have complex, far-reaching plots, often featuring galaxy-spanning conflicts.

Smith’s style emphasizes bold adventure and dramatic tension, making his work both thrilling and influential in the development of modern science fiction.

Frederick Faust: The Versatile Creator of Max Brand

Frederick Faust, better known by his pseudonym Max Brand, was a master of the Western genre. His prolific output included classic western heroes like Destry and Dr. Kildare.

Faust is known for his versatile and action-filled style. His prose is dynamic and engaging, often featuring big characters and dramatic plots. Faust’s stories, spanning genres from Westerns to detective fiction, are marked by their fast-paced action, vivid settings, and strong, clear narratives.

His influence extended beyond the Western genre, as he was also a successful screenwriter and poet.

Seabury Quinn: The Occult Detective Stories of Jules de Grandin

Seabury Quinn’s Jules de Grandin stories were a staple of Weird Tales magazine. De Grandin, a French occult detective, dealt with vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural threats. These stories were a unique mix of horror, detective fiction, and fantasy.

Seabury Quinn’s writing style is notable for its blend of macabre elements and detective fiction. His prose is straightforward yet atmospheric, combining suspenseful storytelling with supernatural intrigue. His use of vivid descriptions and engaging plots effectively blend horror and mystery in a way that captivates and unsettles readers.

Quinn’s flair for macabre and mystery earned him a devoted readership during the golden age of pulp fiction.

Walter B. Gibson: The Man Behind The Shadow

Walter B. Gibson was the creator of The Shadow, one of the most iconic characters in pulp fiction history. The Shadow, written under the pseudonym of Maxwell Grant, with his ability to cloud men’s minds and his mysterious vigilante persona, became a symbol of justice in a crime-ridden world.

Gibson’s writing style is characterized by its fast-paced, thrilling narrative and inventive plot twists. His prose is direct and engaging, designed to maintain a high level of suspense and excitement. His stories often feature intricate plots with a blend of action, mystery, and crime, showcasing his talent for creating complex, compelling characters.

Gibson’s work on The Shadow was hugely influential, and the character would go on to inspire superheroes like Batman.

Philip K. Dick: From Pulp to Philosophical Sci-Fi

Though Philip K. Dick is often regarded as a literary science fiction author, he started his career writing for pulp magazines. His early stories, like The Variable Man and Beyond Lies the Wub, showcased his talent for blending futuristic technology with philosophical inquiries.

Dick’s writing style is distinguished by its imaginative, often surreal exploration of reality and consciousness. His prose is direct yet thought-provoking and his stories frequently delve into themes of identity, paranoia, and the nature of reality. His unique approach combines straightforward narrative and speculative idea , create a distinctive style that challenges readers.

Dick’s work often explored themes of consciousness and identity, pushing the boundaries of what pulp sci-fi could achieve.

Norvell Page: The Explosive Adventures of The Spider

Norvell Page is best known for his work on The Spider, a vigilante character known for his brutal methods and relentless fight against crime. Page’s Spider stories were fast-paced and action-packed, with high body counts and cliffhangers.

Norvell Page’s writing style is characterized by its high-octane action and vivid, dramatic scenarios. Page’s prose is fast-paced and intense, focusing on relentless action and suspense. His narratives often feature a gritty, dark atmosphere with a strong emphasis on dramatic cliffhangers and pulse-pounding confrontations.

His influence can be seen in later characters like The Punisher and other violent anti-heroes.

Mickey Spillane: The Hard-Edged World of Mike Hammer

Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer novels were some of the most popular detective stories of the mid-20th century. Hammer, a tough private investigator with a thirst for justice, was a more violent and ruthless counterpart to previous detectives like Marlowe.

Mickey Spillane’s writing style is marked by its hard-edged, no-nonsense approach. Spillane’s prose is gritty and direct, emphasizing brutal realism and raw intensity. His narratives are fast-paced and packed with sharp dialogue, often featuring graphic depictions of crime and violence.

Spillane’s straightforward style and focus on action and suspense helped define the hard-boiled detective genre and modern crime fiction.

Frank Herbert: The Road from Pulp to Dune

Though Frank Herbert is most famous for Dune, he began his writing career in pulp fiction. His early stories appeared in magazines like Startling Stories and Astounding Science Fiction. These early works showcased his growing interest in ecological and philosophical themes.

Herbert’s writing style is characterized by its deep, philosophical exploration of complex themes and richly detailed world-building. His prose blends intricate, thought-provoking ideas with elaborate, immersive settings. His narrative approach often includes dense, multi-layered plots and a focus on ecological and political intrigue. Herbert’s writing is both sophisticated and accessible, using vivid descriptions and detailed character development.

Herbert’s ability to infuse pulp sci-fi with deep intellectual themes helped him transition to more serious literary success.

Otis Adelbert Kline: Rivals to Burroughs’ Mars

Otis Adelbert Kline was often seen as Edgar Rice Burroughs’ main rival in the world of planetary romance. His stories, such as The Planet of Peril series, followed adventurers through exotic alien worlds.

Kline’s writing style is known for its adventurous and imaginative flair. His prose is vibrant and descriptive, featuring fast-paced narratives filled with thrilling adventure. Kline’s stories often include daring heroes and strange, fantastical creatures. His straightforward, action-driven style combines with rich, vivid descriptions to transport readers to far-off realms.

Kline’s works were filled with action, romance, and strange creatures making his work a notable example of early 20th-century adventure fiction.