The Haunting Of Low Fennel, Classics To Go

Sax Rohmer

Sax Rohmer was the pen name of Arthur Henry Sarsfield Ward (1883-1959), an English author of popular fiction, best known for his creation of the villainous character Dr. Fu Manchu. Born in Birmingham, England, Rohmer worked as a civil servant before turning to write full-time. He began his career writing music hall sketches and short stories, but it was his series of novels featuring the diabolical Dr. Fu Manchu that brought him widespread success and notoriety. The first Dr. Fu Manchu novel, "The Mystery of Dr. Fu Manchu," was published in 1913, and was an immediate sensation. The character of Dr. Fu Manchu, an evil genius who seeks to overthrow Western civilization, became a cultural icon and was adapted into numerous films, radio shows, and television series over the years. Rohmer wrote over a dozen novels featuring Dr. Fu Manchu, as well as several other series and standalone novels. His works were known for their exotic settings, fast-paced plots, and sensational themes. While Rohmer's work was popular with readers, it was also criticized for perpetuating racist stereotypes and for its portrayal of Asian characters as villainous and inscrutable. Rohmer himself was accused of xenophobia and racism, and his work continues to be controversial to this day. Despite the controversy surrounding his work, Rohmer remains an important figure in the history of popular fiction and is remembered for his creation of one of the most memorable villains in literary history.