Rex Todhunter Stout was a renowned American writer, particularly recognized for his exceptional detective fiction. His most iconic characters, the brilliant detective Nero Wolfe and his trusted assistant Archie Goodwin, were the protagonists of a remarkable 33-novel and 41-novella/short-story series, spanning from 1934 to 1975.
Notably, in 1959, Stout received the prestigious Grand Master Award from the Mystery Writers of America, a testament to his outstanding contributions to the genre. Furthermore, the Nero Wolfe corpus was nominated for Best Mystery Series of the Century at Bouchercon XXXI, the world's largest mystery convention, and Rex Stout was nominated for Best Mystery Writer of the Century.
Beyond his remarkable literary achievements, Stout was a prominent public intellectual for decades. He was actively involved in the early years of the American Civil Liberties Union and a co-founder of the Vanguard Press. During World War II, Stout served as the head of the Writers' War Board, utilizing his skills to promote the war effort through his writings and broadcasts.
In the post-war era, Stout became a celebrated radio personality, broadcasting numerous shows and cementing his status as a household name. Additionally, he was a dedicated advocate for world federalism, working tirelessly to promote global cooperation and understanding.
Throughout his illustrious career, Stout held various leadership positions, including a long-term presidency of the Authors Guild, during which he vigorously lobbied for reforms to domestic and international copyright laws to benefit authors. He also served as the president of the Mystery Writers of America in 1959, further solidifying his reputation as a driving force in the literary world.
