Irving Wallace

Irving Wallace[1†]

Irving Wallace (1916-1990) was a best-selling American author and screenwriter known for his meticulously researched novels, often with sexual themes. Born in Chicago to a Jewish family of Russian origin, he grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He sold stories as a teenager and served in the Army Air Force's First Motion Picture Unit during WWII. Post-war, he worked as a Hollywood screenwriter before dedicating himself to writing novels. Wallace's first major success was "The Chapman Report" (1960). He published 33 books, translated into 31 languages, with several adapted into films[1†][2†][3†].

Early Years and Education

Irving Wallace was born on March 19, 1916, in Chicago, Illinois[1†][6†]. His parents, Bessie Liss and Alexander Wallace, were of Jewish origin and originally from Russia[1†][6†]. The family name, Wallace, was an Americanized version of the original family name of Wallechinsky[1†][6†]. Irving was named after his maternal grandfather, a bookkeeper and Talmudic scholar from Narewka, Poland[1†][6†].

Wallace grew up at 6103 Eighteenth Avenue in Kenosha, Wisconsin[1†][6†]. During his high school years, he attended Kenosha Central High School[1†][6†][7†]. From a young age, Wallace showed a strong interest in literature and writing, which led him to start selling stories to magazines when he was still a teenager[1†][6†].

During the Second World War, Wallace served in the Frank Capra unit in Fort Fox along with Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss[1†][6†]. He also served in the First Motion Picture Unit of the Army Air Force[1†][6†].

Career Development and Achievements

Irving Wallace began his writing career at a young age, selling stories to magazines when he was just a teenager[1†][2†][7†]. His early interest in literature and writing paved the way for his future career as a novelist, short-story writer, and screenwriter[1†][2†][7†].

During the Second World War, Wallace served in the Frank Capra unit in Fort Fox along with Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss[1†][2†][7†]. He continued to write for magazines while serving in the military[1†][2†][7†].

After the war, Wallace turned to Hollywood, where he wrote screenplays for a variety of studios including Columbia, Fox, Warner Brothers, Universal, and MGM from 1950 to 1959[1†][2†][7†]. Some of his notable works during this period include “The West Point Story” (1950), “Split Second” (1953), “Meet Me at the Fair” (1953), and “The Big Circus” (1959)[1†]. He also contributed three scripts to the western television program "Have Gun – Will Travel"[1†].

However, Wallace found his stint in Hollywood unsatisfying and decided to devote himself full-time to writing books[1†][2†][7†]. He published his first non-fiction work, “The Fabulous Originals”, in 1955, and his first fiction offering, “The Sins of Philip Fleming”, in 1959[1†]. The latter, ignored by critics, was followed by the enormously successful "The Chapman Report"[1†].

Wallace published 33 books during his lifetime, translated into 31 languages[1†]. His works were inventive, carefully researched, and often had the flavor of spicy journalism[1†][2†][7†]. Several of Wallace’s books have been made into films, including “The Chapman Report”, “The Man”, “The Seven Minutes”, and "New Delhi"[1†][2†][7†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Irving Wallace was a prolific writer, known for his extensively researched novels. Here are some of his main works:

• The Sins of Philip Fleming (1959): A compelling narrative delving into the scandalous secrets of a powerful publishing magnate.This was Wallace’s first fiction offering. However, it was largely ignored by critics[8†][1†].
• The Chapman Report (1960): This was Wallace’s first major bestseller. The book is a fictional account of a sexual research team’s investigations of a wealthy Los Angeles suburb[8†][1†].
• The Fabulous Originals (1961): Chronicles the lives of inventors and pioneers who have shaped history with their innovations[8†][1†].
• The Prize (1962): This novel provides a fictional behind-the-scenes account of the Nobel Prizes[8†][9†].
• The Golden Room (1962): A gripping tale of greed, ambition, and treachery set in the glittering world of high finance[8†][1†].
• The Man (1964): A gripping tale of espionage and political intrigue set in the Cold War era. This book tells the story of a black man becoming president of the U.S. in the 1960s[8†][1†][9†].
• The Seven Minutes (1969): A controversial courtroom drama centered on the censorship of a sexually explicit novel[8†][1†]
• The Guest of Honor (1970): Chronicles the tumultuous events surrounding a prestigious dinner party attended by the world's most influential figures[8†][1†]
• The Word (1972): A provocative novel exploring the potential impact of a newly discovered gospel on the foundations of Christianity[8†][9†].
• The Fan Club (1974): Follows the disturbing obsession of a group of men with a famous actress, leading to a chilling climax.
• The Second Lady (1980): A suspenseful political thriller revolving around the kidnapping of the Vice President's wife[8†][1†]
• The Fountains (1980): A tale of power, ambition, and the quest for immortality set against the backdrop of a grand hotel[8†][1†]
• The Three Sirens (1981): Follows the intertwined lives of three powerful women as they navigate love, ambition, and betrayal[8†][1†]
• The Almighty (1982): Explores the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by a powerful media mogul as he grapples with his own mortality[8†][1†]
• The Miracle (1984): A thought-provoking exploration of faith, skepticism, and the quest for meaning in a modern world[8†][1†]
• The Celestial Bed (1987): A sensual tale of love, desire, and betrayal set against the backdrop of Hollywood's golden age[8†][1†]

Wallace’s books were known for their detailed research and often had the flavor of spicy journalism[8†][1†]. Several of his books have been made into films[8†][1†].

Analysis and Evaluation

Irving Wallace was known for his heavily researched novels, many of which had a sexual theme[1†]. His works were inventive and often had the flavor of spicy journalism[1†]. Wallace’s novels were not just best-sellers, they were blockbusters that were translated into 31 languages[1†].

Wallace’s work, “The Word” (1972), is a fictional mystery thriller[1†][10†]. Amid the Roman ruins, an Italian archaeologist discovers a new gospel written during the first century by James, the younger brother of Jesus[1†][10†]. The gospel reveals facts about Jesus for the years not mentioned in the Bible and contradicts the present ones[1†][10†]. This novel, like many of Wallace’s works, was a blend of fact and fiction, meticulously researched and masterfully written[1†][10†].

Wallace’s novels were often criticized for their explicit sexual content, but they were also praised for their detailed research and their ability to tell a compelling story[1†]. Despite the criticism, Wallace’s novels were incredibly popular with readers, and several of them were made into films[1†].

Wallace’s work has had a significant impact on popular literature. His blend of fact and fiction, his meticulous research, and his ability to tell a compelling story have influenced many writers[1†].

Personal Life

Irving Wallace was married to Sylvia (née Kahn) Wallace, a former magazine writer and editor[1†]. Her first novel, “The Fountains”, was an American best-seller and published in twelve foreign editions[1†]. Her second novel, “Empress”, was published in 1980[1†]. They had two children, Olympic historian David Wallechinsky and author Amy Wallace[1†].

In her autobiography, Amy Wallace wrote that her mother’s contributions were not always helpful and the atmosphere not always harmonious[1†]. Sylvia Wallace died on October 20, 2006, at the age of 89[1†][8†]. Irving Wallace himself passed away on June 29, 1990[1†][11†].

Like many famous people and celebrities, Irving Wallace kept his personal life private[1†][11†]. More details about his personal life might be available in his works and those of his family[1†][11†].

Conclusion and Legacy

Irving Wallace left a significant legacy in the world of literature. His heavily researched novels, many with a sexual theme, were best-sellers and have been translated into 31 languages[1†]. Several of his books have been made into films, including The Chapman Report, The Man, The Seven Minutes, and New Delhi[1†]. Also among his best-known books are The Prize (1962), The Word (1972), and The Fan Club (1974)[1†].

Wallace’s work has had a lasting impact on popular literature, and his books continue to be read and appreciated for their meticulous research and engaging narratives[1†]. His career spanned over three decades, during which he published 33 books[1†]. His writing style and themes have influenced many contemporary authors[1†][8†].

Despite his passing on June 29, 1990[1†][8†], Irving Wallace’s legacy continues through his works and the impact they have had on readers and writers alike[1†][8†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: March 19, 1916, Chicago, Illinois, U.S[1†][2†].
• Died: June 29, 1990, Los Angeles, California, U.S[1†][2†].
• Nationality: American[1†][2†].
• Occupation: Writer, journalist, screenwriter[1†].
• Notable Works: The Fabulous Originals (1955), The Sins of Philip Fleming (1959), The Chapman Report (1960), The Prize (1962), The Word (1972), The Fan Club (1974)[1†][2†].
• Notable Achievements: Wallace published 33 books during his lifetime, translated into 31 languages[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Irving Wallace [website] - link
2. IMDb - Irving Wallace - Biography [website] - link
3. Biography Base - Irving Wallace Biography [website] - link
4. RT Book Reviews - 10 Best Books by Irving Wallace: A Comprehensive Guide [website] - link
5. Google Books - The Two: A Biography - Irving Wallace, Amy Wallace [website] - link
6. Wikiwand - Irving Wallace - Wikiwand [website] - link
7. The Famous Personalities - Irving Wallace Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, DOB(Famous Birthday), Family, Wife, Famous Books, Net Worth [website] - link
8. Book Series In Order - Irving Wallace [website] - link
9. Goodreads - Book: The Word [website] - link
10. Studymode - The Word Irving Wallace Analysis - 124 Words [website] - link
11. CelebsAges - Irving Wallace [website] - link