Stout, Rex, 1886–1975, American writer, b. Noblesville, Ind. He served in the navy and worked in New York City as founder and director of the Vanguard Press. His best-known works are nearly 70 mystery stories featuring Nero Wolfe, a large gourmet detective who solves crimes from the comfort of his study. Stout's Nero Wolfe Cookbook appeared in 1973. After Stout's death, Robert Goldsborough wrote a successful series of new Nero Wolfe stories.

Bibliography

See study by W. S. Baring-Gould (1969) and D. R. Anderson (1984).

Stout, Rex (Todhunter)

(born Dec. 1, 1886, Noblesville, Ind., U.S.—died Oct. 27, 1975, Danbury, Conn.) U.S. writer. He worked odd jobs until 1912, when he began to write. From 1927 he earned his living exclusively by writing. He is remembered for 46 genteel mystery novels and novelettes, beginning with Fer-de-Lance (1934), that revolve around Nero Wolfe, a brilliant, obese aesthete who solves crimes without leaving his New York City apartment. Stout endowed his detective with his own passions for haute cuisine and the growing of orchids.

Stout, Rex (Todhunter) (1886–1975) writer; born in Noblesville, Ind. His family moved to Topeka, Kans., when he was young, and he was schooled locally. He joined the navy (1906–08), then held a variety of jobs in different locations. He lived in Paris (1927–29), and upon his return, began a long and successful writing career. His first mystery novel, Fer-de-Lance (1934), introduced Nero Wolfe, a fat, brilliant, orchid-loving detective, and Archie Goodwin, his assistant and man-about-town. Stout lived in Brewster, N.Y., served on many patriotic committees and boards, and was a radio broadcaster during World War II. He was also a founder and director of Vanguard Press.