Erle Gardner was an American author and lawyer who wrote fiction in the mid-20th century. He is best known for his Perry Mason detective series, which featured a fictional criminal defense lawyer as the main character. He also wrote several other novels, short stories, and screenplays. Gardner's works have been adapted into films, television shows, and radio programs. His writing style was characterized by intricate plots and clever dialogue. He was one of the most successful authors of his time, and his works remain popular today.