On this day, April 5, in 1935, Earl Derr Biggers, "Poppa" of Charlie Chan, passed away in Pasadena, California at the age of 48. He had been in ill health for some time, which was not helped by the hard pace of his creative schedule. The following day, the 'Pasadena Post' wrote: "Mr. Biggers' reputation as a writer went far beyond his country. he had a great vogue abroad. Editions of all his works were brought out in Great Britain, and his books were translated into all languages of continental Europe. he was regarded abroad, as in this country, as a great literary artist in the field of mystery fiction..." (Barbara Gregorich, "Charlie Chan's Poppa: Earl Derr Biggers," pp. 66-67).

Rush, a most appropriately-timed quote in memorial to this sad day in history. I believe it was 23 languages that his works were translated into...Amazing!