James Sallis: Crime Writer Who Redefined Genre Dies

James Sallis, a highly regarded American crime writer, passed away at the age of 81. He was renowned for his 2005 novel "Drive," a neo-noir work that was later adapted into a successful film starring Ryan Gosling. Sallis aimed to capture the essence of 1950s pulp novels but with a modern perspective, exploring themes of "dailyness" and the unpredictable nature of life.

His literary journey began with the 1992 novel "The Long-Legged Fly," the first in a series featuring detective Lew Griffin, which challenged traditional crime narrative structures. Sallis's writing style blended hardboiled elements with surrealism, emphasizing everyday moments and improvisation over intricate plots.

Beyond crime fiction, Sallis had a diverse output, including science fiction contributions in his early career in London. He published over 150 short stories, 18 novels, poetry collections, essays, and even a biography. Sallis also taught creative writing in Phoenix, Arizona, for over a decade.

Born in Helena, Arkansas, Sallis developed a love for literature early on. Before his writing career took off, he worked as a neonatal respiratory therapist. He also pursued musical interests, playing in a band that specialized in eclectic genres. Sallis's literary contributions continue to be recognized with recent publications of his collected short stories and a new novel.