W. R. Burnett
Biography
William Riley Burnett (1899–1982) was an American novelist and screenwriter who helped define the crime fiction genre. Born in Springfield, Ohio, he moved to Chicago, where the gangster culture of Prohibition-era America inspired his breakthrough novel Little Caesar (1929). The book’s success led to the landmark 1931 film starring Edward G. Robinson, which established the gangster movie genre. Burnett went on to write numerous crime novels and screenplays, including the scripts for High Sierra, The Asphalt Jungle, and The Great Escape. He was one of the most influential crime writers of the twentieth century.
Common themes in W. R. Burnett's work
Crime fiction
A recurring theme throughout W. R. Burnett's writing.
Gangster literature
A recurring theme throughout W. R. Burnett's writing.
Prohibition era
A recurring theme throughout W. R. Burnett's writing.
Hard-boiled style
A recurring theme throughout W. R. Burnett's writing.
Books
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Why W. R. Burnett is still read today
Burnett’s Little Caesar helped create the modern crime genre in both fiction and film. His terse, hard-boiled prose style influenced generations of crime writers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was W. R. Burnett?
W. R. Burnett was an American novelist and screenwriter who helped define the gangster genre with Little Caesar. Read it free on TextStack.
Was Little Caesar made into a movie?
Yes, the 1931 film starring Edward G. Robinson was a landmark that established the gangster movie genre.
What else did Burnett write?
He wrote screenplays for High Sierra, The Asphalt Jungle, and The Great Escape, among many crime novels.
Where can I read Burnett online?
TextStack offers Little Caesar free to read online.
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