The Philadelphian
A Seventh generation Philadelphian, Richard Powell (1908-1999)  was a prodigiously talented writer whose 19 full-length fictional works  included many mysteries along with several comedic, dramatic, and  historical novels. Prior to retiring to Florida in 1958 to write full time,  he studied history at Princeton, was a reporter for the Philadelphia  Evening Ledger, served in the Army during WWII, and worked for many years  in advertising and public relations.Powell was an inventive storyteller and a keen observer of human foibles  and follies who, at the peak of his writing prowess in the late 1950s and  early 1960s, emerged as a master of the modern novel. No matter what  fiction genre Powell turned his hand to, his wry characterizations,  crackling dialog, and deft plotting made each book an irresistible  page-turner. Several of his novels including The Philadelphian were made  into feature films.While most of Richard Powell's novels disappeared from publishers' lists  during the 1970s, his work is currently experiencing a well-deserved  revival, with at least three books in addition to The Philadelphian  currently available in new editions or soon to be reprinted. More, it is to  be hoped, will soon follow.