Gibson, Walter B. (Walter Brown), 1897-1985

Variant names
Dates:
Birth 1897-09-12
Death 1985-12-06
Americans,

Biographical notes:

Walter B. Gibson (1897-1985) was a professional magician and author, who often wrote under the name Maxwell Grant, and is credited with defining and popularizing the pulp hero, The Shadow.

From the description of Walter B. Gibson papers, 1943-1980. (Duke University Library). WorldCat record id: 707629054

Walter B. Gibson (1897-1985) was a professional magician and author, who often wrote under the name Maxwell Grant, and is credited with defining and popularizing the pulp hero, The Shadow. The character started as the narrator for the radio show, Detective Story Hour, but became so popular that he inspired his own magazine. Gibson was hired to write the pulp which he did with staggering frequency, producing 282 of the 325 Shadow pulp novels, starting with the character's debut in 1931 and ending in the late 1940s. Years later Gibson published three final Shadow novels, including what would be his last story, The Blackmail Bay, in 1980. Gibson wrote for a wide variety of publications and other mediums including television and film, but often as a ghost writer. Today he is primarily know for The Shadow, which spawned numerous imitators, Batman being the most notable.

From the guide to the Walter B. Gibson Papers, 1943-1980, (David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Duke University)

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Subjects:

  • Mass media
  • Radio broadcasting
  • Radio programs
  • Radio scripts
  • Shadow (Fictitious character)
  • Television

Occupations:

not available for this record

Places:

  • United States (as recorded)