Arthur J. Burks (September 14, 1898 – May 13, 1974) was a prolific American author, best known for his work in the pulp magazines of the 1920s and 1930s. He specialized in science fiction, fantasy, and horror, but also wrote adventure, detective, and war stories. A decorated U.S. Marine Corps officer, his military experiences often influenced his fiction.
Early Life and Military Career
Born in Waterville, New York, Burks enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1917, serving during World War I. His military career was extensive and distinguished, spanning several decades and conflicts. He served in various capacities and locations, including expeditions to Haiti, Nicaragua, and China. During World War II, he commanded an amphibious tractor battalion, and he also saw service in the Korean War. He retired from the Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel. His adventures and observations during his service in exotic locales provided rich material for his fiction and non-fiction.
Writing Career
Burks began his writing career while still in the military, publishing his first story in 1924. He quickly became one of the most prolific and popular authors in the burgeoning pulp magazine market. His work appeared in virtually all the major pulp titles of the era, including:
- Weird Tales: A frequent contributor, known for his horror and weird fiction.
- Astounding Stories / Astounding Science Fiction: Published numerous science fiction tales.
- Strange Tales: Another significant outlet for his horror and fantasy.
- Adventure: Where he often published adventure and military stories.
- Argosy: A major general-fiction pulp that featured his diverse works.
- Planet Stories: For his space opera and planetary adventure stories.
Burks was renowned for his rapid output and diverse range, publishing hundreds of stories under his own name and occasionally under pseudonyms. His writing style was characterized by fast-paced action, vivid descriptions, and a knack for creating imaginative scenarios.
Notable Works and Themes
His fiction often explored themes of the supernatural, psychic phenomena, lost civilizations, cosmic horror, and military heroism. He created several memorable characters and series, including:
- The Black Fez (Dr. Basil Grant): A series of stories featuring a psychic detective who used his extraordinary mental powers to solve bizarre and supernatural mysteries. These stories were primarily published in Strange Tales.
- "Bells of Oceana": A well-regarded science fiction novella.
- "The House of the Nightmare": A classic horror story.
- "The Mind Master": Another notable science fiction work.
Beyond fiction, Burks also authored non-fiction pieces based on his military experiences, often detailing his time in various foreign lands.
Later Life and "Mental Alchemy"
After his retirement from the Marine Corps, Burks shifted his focus away from pulp fiction. He became involved in what he termed "mental alchemy," a form of self-help and spiritual development based on the power of positive thinking and mental transformation. He wrote several non-fiction books on these topics, including Minds Do Not Touch (1962), which reflected his later philosophical and spiritual interests.
Legacy
Arthur J. Burks remains a significant figure in the history of pulp fiction. His imaginative tales helped define the early genres of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, and his prolific output contributed significantly to the golden age of pulp magazines. Despite his later shift in focus, his early works continue to be rediscovered and appreciated by fans and scholars of speculative fiction.
Selected Bibliography
- The House of the Nightmare and Other Eerie Tales (collection)
- The Black Fez: Detective Weird Tales (collection)
- Minds Do Not Touch (non-fiction)