A M Krasner

William Krasner (1917-2003) was an American writer and editor known for his mystery novels and short fiction, as well as non-fiction works. Born in St. Louis to Russian Jewish immigrants, he began his writing career early and attended Columbia University, where he studied psychology and fiction writing under Caroline Gordon.

Krasner's debut novel, "Walk the Dark Streets" (1949), received an Edgar Award nomination and was adapted for television. This novel introduced his recurring character, Lieutenant Sam Birge, who appeared in several subsequent books. His short stories were featured in prominent magazines like Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine. Krasner's work gained international recognition, with translations into multiple languages, most extensively German. He also penned realistic urban novels and a work of historical fiction. Beyond fiction, Krasner contributed significantly to non-fiction, co-authoring a book on drug addiction and publishing extensively in medical and psychological journals, as well as writing articles for newspapers and magazines and producing television documentaries.

Born William Krasner in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 8, 1917, he was the son of Russian Jewish immigrants. His early passion for writing was evident from his time at Soldan High School, where he contributed to the literary magazine alongside future playwright Tennessee Williams. Following his high school education, Krasner worked for the U.S. Postal Service before enlisting in the Army Air Corps as a Warrant Officer. Utilizing the G.I. Bill, he pursued higher education at Columbia University, earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. During his studies, he also honed his fiction writing skills under the tutelage of Southern Agrarian novelist Caroline Gordon.

Krasner's literary career took off with his first novel, "Walk the Dark Streets" (1949), which was nominated for an Edgar Award and later adapted into an episode of "Studio One in Hollywood." The protagonist of this novel, Lieutenant Sam Birge, became a recurring character in Krasner's subsequent works, including "The Stag Party" (1957), "Death of a Minor Poet" (1984), and "Resort to Murder" (1986). His short fiction found publication in magazines such as Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine and Yank, the Army Weekly. Krasner's novels and stories achieved international readership, with translations into French, Italian, Japanese, and notably, German. His literary contributions were recognized by influential figures like Raymond Chandler, who praised his mystery fiction, and cultural critic Jacques Barzun. Krasner also received an award for literature from the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1955.

In addition to his mystery novels, Krasner explored other genres, publishing realistic urban novels like "The Gambler" (1950) and "North of Welfare" (1954), and a historical fiction piece, "Francis Parkman: Dakota Legend" (1982). His non-fiction output was substantial, including co-authorship of "Drug Trip Abroad" (1972), a study on drug addiction. He frequently published in medical and psychological journals and contributed articles to various newspapers and magazines, such as Harper's Magazine and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Krasner also ventured into television, writing and producing documentaries. He married Juanita Frazier in 1956, and they had four sons. The family resided in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, from 1969 onwards. William Krasner passed away on October 29, 2003, at the age of 86.

““[I]t may also happen that single book, such as ... Walk the Dark Streets by William Krasner ... will immediately put the writer above and beyond a whole host of writers who have written twenty or thirty books and are extremely well known and successful””