Leslie Charteris

1907–1993

1 series 49 books in order 1928–1997

Leslie Charteris, born Leslie Charles Bowyer-Yin in Singapore, was the son of a Chinese physician and an English mother. He began writing as a child, producing his own magazine with various literary forms. In 1926, he changed his surname to Charteris. His first book, X Esquire, was published in 1927 while he was an undergraduate at King's College, Cambridge. After its publication, he left university to become a professional writer. He supported himself with various jobs, including laborer, bartender, and miner. He is best known for creating the detective Simon Templar, known as The Saint. In 1932, he moved to the United States and wrote screenplays for Paramount Pictures. He also contributed to the Sherlock Holmes radio series in the 1940s. In 1952, he married actress Audrey Long. In 1961, he sold the television rights to The Saint to ITC, leading to a successful show starring Roger Moore. After The Saint in the Sun (1963), he stopped writing the series but remained involved as an editor. He died in Windsor, Berkshire.

Born

1907

Active years

1928–1997

Known for

The Saint

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