Rex Stout
Biography of Rex Stout
Full Name and Common Aliases
Rex Todhunter Stout, commonly known simply as Rex Stout, was a prolific American author best known for his detective fiction. He is often associated with his most famous creation, the fictional detective Nero Wolfe.
Birth and Death Dates
Rex Stout was born on December 1, 1886, and passed away on October 27, 1975.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Rex Stout was an American novelist and writer. He is celebrated for his contributions to the mystery and detective genres, particularly through his series of novels featuring the detective Nero Wolfe.
Early Life and Background
Rex Stout was born in Noblesville, Indiana, but his family moved to Kansas shortly after his birth. He was the sixth of nine children in a Quaker family. Stout's early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education and literature, which was encouraged by his parents. He demonstrated an early aptitude for reading and writing, and by the age of four, he had reportedly read the Bible twice. Stout attended Topeka High School and later briefly attended the University of Kansas, but he left to join the Navy, where he served as a yeoman on President Theodore Roosevelt's yacht.
Major Accomplishments
Rex Stout's major accomplishments are primarily tied to his literary career. He began writing full-time in the 1920s, initially focusing on serialized fiction and romance novels. However, it was his creation of the character Nero Wolfe in 1934 that catapulted him to fame. The Nero Wolfe series, which includes 33 novels and 39 novellas, became a cornerstone of American detective fiction. Stout's work was not only popular with readers but also critically acclaimed, earning him numerous accolades, including the Mystery Writers of America's Grand Master Award in 1959.
Notable Works or Actions
The most notable works of Rex Stout are undoubtedly the Nero Wolfe novels. The first book in the series, "Fer-de-Lance," introduced readers to the eccentric, orchid-loving detective Nero Wolfe and his witty assistant, Archie Goodwin. The series is renowned for its clever plots, engaging dialogue, and the dynamic between Wolfe and Goodwin. Some of the most celebrated titles in the series include "The Doorbell Rang," "Too Many Cooks," and "The League of Frightened Men." Beyond his fiction, Stout was also an active public figure, engaging in political and social issues. He was a vocal advocate for civil liberties and was involved in the founding of the American Civil Liberties Union.
Impact and Legacy
Rex Stout's impact on the mystery genre is profound. His creation of Nero Wolfe has left an indelible mark on detective fiction, influencing countless writers and spawning adaptations in radio, television, and film. Stout's work is characterized by its wit, intricate plotting, and memorable characters, elements that have set a high standard in the genre. His legacy extends beyond literature; his commitment to social justice and civil liberties has also been recognized and celebrated. Stout's influence is evident in the continued popularity of his books, which remain in print and are cherished by mystery enthusiasts worldwide.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Rex Stout is widely quoted and remembered for his sharp wit and insightful observations, both in his fiction and his public statements. His Nero Wolfe series is filled with memorable lines that capture the essence of his characters and the intricacies of human nature. Stout's ability to blend humor with suspense has made his work timeless, and his quotes often reflect a deep understanding of human behavior and society. Additionally, his outspoken views on political and social issues have left a lasting impression, making him a figure of interest not only for his literary contributions but also for his role as a public intellectual. Stout's legacy as a master storyteller and a champion of civil liberties ensures that his words continue to resonate with audiences today.
Quotes by Rex Stout
Rex Stout's insights on:
A pig whose diet is fifty to seventy percent peanuts grows a ham of incredibly sweet and delicate succulence which, well-cured, well-kept and well-cooked, will take precedence over any other ham the world affords.
His oratorical baritone was raspy and supercilious under the strain. “You say you are not interested,” he told Wolfe, “in the factors of means and opportunity. The motive is palpable for all of us, but it is also palpable that Miss Duday is biased by animus. She cannot support her statement that after June thirtieth my income from the corporation would have ceased. I deny that Miss Eads intended to take any action so ill advised and irresponsible.
He threw up his hands and waved them around, and shook all over, and laughed as if he never expected to hear a joke again and would use it all up on this one.
At first, yes. But a long intimacy frees you of that illusion, and it also acquaints you with their scantiness of character. The effect they have produced on you is only their bluff. There is not such a thing as too much beauty.
No. The morning will do. You’re impetuous.” He looked at the wall clock. Fritz would come any minute to announce dinner. “Can you get Saul now?
It is indubitable that Carol Mardus was the mother of the baby left in Mrs. Valdon’s vestibule and that she was gravely disquieted to learn that I knew it and could demonstrate it.
You know what my boss says? He says that skepticism is a good watchdog if you know when to take the leash off.
I gathered that with the men the consensus was that women were okay in their place, which I guess was the way cavemen felt about it, and all their male descendants. The question was, and still is, what’s their place?
He lowered the magazine. “Archie. You may remember that I once returned a retainer of forty thousand dollars which a client named Zimmermann had paid me, because he wanted to tell me how to handle his case instead of leaving it to me. Well?” He lifted the magazine. He lowered it again. “Please type the report.” He lifted it again.
I followed the pavement a little over a mile and then turned left again onto a dirt road. It was as narrow as a bigot’s mind, and I got in the ruts and stayed there.