Picture a typewriter-fueled dynamo churning out tales of spies, detectives, and interstellar adventures—meet Michael Avallone! Born in New York City in 1924, this prolific American author penned over 223 works (though he cheekily claimed 1,000) across mystery, sci-fi, and more, using a dizzying array of pseudonyms. From his iconic Ed Noon detective series to novelizations like The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Avallone’s boundless energy made him a paperback legend.
Known as the 'Fastest Typewriter in the East,' Avallone’s stories blended gritty crime, tongue-in-cheek humor, and a zest for storytelling. His work, often found on drugstore racks, captivated readers with its wild plots and vivid characters. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this literary whirlwind!
The Making of Michael Avallone
Michael Angelo Avallone Jr. was born on October 27, 1924, into a bustling Lower East Side Catholic family, one of 17 children. The son of a stonemason, he grew up in the Bronx, soaking in the vibrant city life that later flavored his stories. After serving as a sergeant in World War II, Avallone worked as a stationery salesman, but his heart was set on writing. In 1951, he sold his first short story to a sports magazine, kicking off a career that would span decades.
His big break came in 1953 with The Tall Dolores, the first novel in his Ed Noon private eye series. This debut showcased his knack for snappy dialogue and hard-boiled charm, setting the stage for a prolific career. Avallone’s love for the English language drove him to write tirelessly, proving a writer could tackle any genre with gusto.
Michael Avallone’s Unforgettable Stories
Avallone’s bibliography is a genre-spanning marvel. His Ed Noon series, running from 1953 to 1989, follows a tough yet romantic private eye who evolves from Manhattan sleuth to presidential spy. Books like Violence in Velvet and Lust Is No Lady brim with bawdy humor and thrilling cases, earning a loyal following. Avallone’s son, David, later preserved these as Kindle editions, keeping Noon’s legacy alive.
Beyond mysteries, Avallone excelled in TV and movie tie-ins, crafting over two dozen novelizations. His 1965 The Thousand Coffins Affair, the first Man from U.N.C.L.E. novel, was a global hit, selling across 60 countries despite a paltry $1,000 fee. Other standouts include Beneath the Planet of the Apes and Friday the 13th Part III, showcasing his ability to breathe life into screen stories. Under pseudonyms like Troy Conway, he penned the cheeky Rod Damon: The Coxeman series, poking fun at spy tropes with gleeful irreverence.
His style? Think fast-paced plots, colorful characters, and a touch of camp. Critics like Bill Pronzini dubbed him the 'King of the Cheese' for his bold, sometimes logic-defying narratives, but fans adored his storytelling flair. Avallone’s work thrived in the 'Nooniverse,' a vibrant world where anything could happen—and usually did.
Why Michael Avallone Matters
Avallone’s impact lies in his sheer versatility and accessibility. His paperbacks, priced for the masses, brought escapist fun to readers during turbulent times like the 1960s. He helped define the TV tie-in genre, setting a template for spy novels with The Thousand Coffins Affair. His induction into the New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame and a 1989 Anthony Award nomination for High Noon at Midnight reflect his influence in mystery circles.
More than that, Avallone embodied the joy of writing. A guest lecturer at NYU, Columbia, and Rutgers, he inspired aspiring authors with his mantra: 'Write, write, write.' His legacy endures through fans and his family, who cherish his boundless creativity.
- Birth Date: October 27, 1924
- Key Works: The Tall Dolores, The Thousand Coffins Affair, Beneath the Planet of the Apes
- Awards: Nominated for an Anthony Award (1989), New Jersey Literary Hall of Fame
Ready for a wild ride? Snag The Tall Dolores or The Thousand Coffins Affair and dive into Michael Avallone’s thrilling, quirky world of mystery and adventure!