The Law of the Four Just Men - Softcover

Wallace, Edgar

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1515219461 ISBN 13: 9781515219460

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2015

Synopsis

The idea of a small organization of highly idealistic and motivated vigilantes who go about rectifying injustices in society which are beyond the reach of Law is not new. Indeed, many crime authors over the centuries have explored this theme in many different ways. In Edgar Wallace's Four Just Men series, four highly respectable gentlemen from the cream of society come together in a common cause to correct (if possible) injustices in society or if the injustice has already been perpetrated, punish those who were responsible for them. "The Law of the Four Just Men" features just two of the four (one being retired and the other dead) and is a collection of whimsical short stories which feature the Just Men taking on conventional law-breakers as well as immoral men who commit or are about to perpetrate crimes or worse facilitate acts which are legal in themselves but end up ruining innocent lives. Despicable blackmailers, conscienceless money-lenders, owners of gambling houses and opium-dens, a mad scientist who has an irrational hatred of earthworms with plans of exterminating them and common-or-garden murderers who kill for gain all fall under the radar of George Manfred and Leon Gonsalez. Each story is gripping in its own way, but unlike the usual Edgar Wallace crime novels, none of them have elements of mystery or suspense. The only anticipation created is the method of punishment adopted by the Just Men and how they eventually prevent injustice and/or avenge the victims.

About this title

About the Author:

Richard Horatio Edgar Wallace was born illegitimately in Greenwich, London, in 1875 to actors Mary Jane Richards and T.H. Edgar. As an infant he was adopted by George Freeman, a porter at Billingsgate fish market. Aged eleven, Wallace sold newspapers at Ludgate Circus and upon leaving school took a job with a printer. He later enlisted in the Royal West Kent Regiment, before transferring to the Medical Staff Corps, and was sent to South Africa.In 1898, he published a collection of poems called 'The Mission that Failed', and subsequently left the army to become correspondent for Reuters. South African war correspondent for 'The Daily Mail' followed and his articles were later published as 'Unofficial Dispatches'. His outspokenness infuriated Lord Kitchener, who removed his credentials. He then edited the 'Rand Daily Mail', but gambled disastrously on the South African Stock Market.Returning to England, Wallace at first reported on crimes and hanging trials, before becoming editor of 'The Evening News'. It was in 1905 that he founded the Tallis Press, publishing 'Smithy', a collection of soldier stories, and 'The Four Just Men'. The latter was published with the ending removed as an advertising stunt and he offered $500 to readers who could successfully guess the ending. Unfortunately, many did and he was almost bankrupted. At various times Wallace also worked as a journalist on 'The Standard', 'The Star', 'The Week-End Racing Supplement' and 'The Story Journal'.In 1917, he became a Special Constable at Lincoln's Inn and also a special interrogator for the War Office. The Daily Mail sent Wallace to investigate atrocities in the Belgian Congo, a trip that provided material for his 'Sanders of the River' books. In 1923, he became Chairman of the Press Club and in 1931 stood as a Liberal Parliamentary candidate for Blackpool.Wallace's first marriage in 1901 to Ivy Caldecott, daughter of a missionary, ended in divorce in 1918 and he later married his much younger secretary, Violet King.Along with countless articles, some 23 screenplays and many short stories, Wallace wrote more than 170 books, which have been translated into 28 languages and sales of which have exceeded 50 million copies. Over 160 films have been made from his books - more than any other author. In the 1920's one of Wallace's many publishers claimed that a quarter of all books read in England were written by him. His sales were exceeded only by 'The Bible'.He died in 1932 whilst working on the screenplay for 'King Kong', having moved to Hollywood after being offered a contract by RKO.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1515219461
• ISBN 13: 9781515219460
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 178