Perry Mason

The Perry Mason books by Erle Stanley Gardner, which were first released in 1933, caused a cultural sensation and eventually served as the basis for a popular television program. The 82 novels in the series have collectively sold close to 300 million copies.

Before becoming a writer, Gardner worked as a lawyer. He was recognized for his fast-paced yet complex stories that let his star lawyer delight readers. When Gardner passed away in 1970, he was the best-selling American author of the 20th century, so Mason was undoubtedly entertaining enough. Gardner's publisher stated that they were selling 20,000 volumes per day and 2,000 books per hour outside of the United States in the 1960s.

The television series with the same name found an equivalent to the enormously popular books. Richard Burr played the titular character on the CBS television series Perry Mason, which ran from 1957 until 1966. The television program is still well-liked and rated today.

• 300 million copies of the series’ 82 novels

Author: Erle Stanley Gardner

Language: English

Published: 1933

No. of books: 82 novels