Edward S. Aarons

Edward Sidney Aarons (1916-1975) was an American author renowned for his prolific output of mystery, spy fiction, and crime thrillers, writing over 80 novels under his own name and pseudonyms like Edward Ronns and Paul Ayres. Born in Philadelphia, he began publishing at a young age, served in the U.S. Coast Guard during World War II, and later graduated from Columbia University. He is best known for the long-running Sam Durell 'Assignment' series, which spanned 40 volumes starting in 1955.