David Loeb Goodis, a celebrated American writer of crime fiction, distinguished himself through his extraordinary productivity, churning out a vast array of captivating short stories and novels that firmly established him as a prominent figure in the realm of noir fiction.
The life and literary works of David Goodis, a writer of profound insight and compassion, were deeply influenced by his unique personal experiences and cultural background. As a Jewish individual, Goodis's ethnicity and temperament naturally inclined him towards a deep sense of empathy and understanding for those who were often marginalized and overlooked by society. This innate ability to connect with the struggles and plight of others was particularly evident in his portrayal of outsiders, including the working poor, the unjustly accused, fugitives, and criminals.
The renowned author, David Goodis, was born as the eldest child to a family of immigrants. His father, William Goodis, a Russian-Jewish émigré, ventured into the newspaper industry, co-owning a dealership before transitioning to the textile business with the establishment of the William Goodis Company.
The life of David Goodis, a renowned American author, was forever marked by a profound sense of loss and bereavement, a sorrow that would later seep into his literary works. In the year 1920, a devastating tragedy befell his family when his younger brother, Jerome, succumbed to the ravages of meningitis at the tender age of three. This heartbreaking event would undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on Goodis's psyche, shaping his worldview and informing his writing in ways both subtle and profound.
Fast-forwarding to 1922, another significant event would take place in Goodis's life, as his family welcomed the arrival of a new brother, Herbert, two years after the passing of Jerome. This addition to the family would undoubtedly bring joy and excitement to the household, but it would also serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
David Goodis's educational journey began at Simon Gratz High School, where he actively engaged in various extracurricular activities, demonstrating his multifaceted personality and versatility. As a student, he took on the responsibility of editing the school newspaper, showcasing his organizational and communication skills. Moreover, he served as the student council president, indicating his leadership abilities and capacity to guide and motivate his peers. In addition to these endeavors, Goodis was a participant in school athletics, highlighting his commitment to physical fitness and teamwork. His academic achievements were equally impressive, as he was chosen valedictorian of the graduating class of 1935, a testament to his academic prowess and dedication to his studies. As valedictorian, he delivered a speech titled "Youth Looks at Peace", showcasing his eloquence and ability to convey thought-provoking ideas.
As a collegiate scholar at Temple University, Goodis dedicated himself to nurturing his creative pursuits, simultaneously serving as a writer and cartoonist for the esteemed student newspaper.
During this pivotal phase of his academic journey, he endeavored to craft a novel, aptly titled "Ignited", yet ultimately, it remained unpublished, with no known copies or remnants of the manuscript having surfaced to date.
Goodis, a renowned literary figure, earned his degree in journalism from Temple University in the year 1938. Following his academic achievements, he embarked on a career in the advertising industry, where he honed his skills and cultivated his creative talents. It was during this period of professional development that Goodis penned his debut novel, Retreat from Oblivion, a literary masterpiece that would eventually see the light of day in 1939, courtesy of the esteemed publishing house, Dutton.
Following the release of his work, Goodis relocated to the bustling metropolis of New York City, where he opted to pen fiction pieces under a variety of nom de plumes for pulp publications, such as Battle Birds, Daredevil Aces, Dime Mystery, Horror Stories, Terror Tales, and Western Tales. According to accounts, he demonstrated an astonishing productivity, generating a staggering quantity of 10,000 words daily, ultimately resulting in an astonishing cumulative total of five million words over a remarkable period of five and a half years.
David Goodis, a prolific writer of pulp fiction, made his debut in the literary world with a series of early stories, including the captivating "Mistress of the White Slave King", which was published in the esteemed Gangland Detective Stories magazine in November of 1939.
Despite his remarkable productivity, it is unfortunate that the majority of Goodis's pulp stories have remained obscure, with many of them never being reprinted or widely circulated.
