Perry Mason and The Case of America’s Favorite Lawyer
Erle Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason has been a vibrant part of the cultural conversation for nearly 90 years. The titular trial lawyer with a penchant for detective work first debuted in the novel The Case of the Velvet Claws (1933), setting in motion a publishing streak that would eventually become the third best selling series of all time. Successful radio, film, and television adaptations soon followed, solidifying the character’s presence within the cultural lexicon. Indeed, Perry Mason’s crossover appeal demonstrates a cultural importance that transcends medium and generational divide.