Gerald Kersh(1911-1968)
- Writer
Born in England in either 1909 or 1911 of Russo-Polish origins,
educated at a London secondary school. Before making a career as
writer, worked as travelling salesman, wrestler, night-club proprietor,
cinema manager, banker's assistant, labourer, bodyguard, bookmaker's
clerk, debt collector and barman. First book "Jews and Jehovah" 1934.
Several more novels, and many short-stories followed; began to gain
reputation as one of the leading short-story writers of period.At start
of WWII joined Coldstream Guards, writing column for a London newspaper
while in training. Next book, "They Die With Their Boots Clean",
written around the Guards training and tradition, became instant
success. At the same time was writing regualr weekly article for a
Sunday paper, several radio programs dealing with war subjects, and
several propaganda films. After the war wrote "The Dead Look On",
dealing with Lidice massacre, and more novels dealing with the more
war, or with fantasy or science-fiction elements. Short-story output
continued, again often containg fantasy or sf matters.
