Bruce Cook
Bruce Cook, born Bruce Alexander Cook in Chicago, Illinois, is recognized for his contributions to literature as a novelist, editor, and writer. His early life saw him move across the United States, living in locations such as Berkeley, California, and Tucson, Arizona, before returning to Chicago by 1942. He earned a degree in literature from Loyola University and served in the United States Army as a German translator. Cook's writing career included positions at various notable publications, including Newsweek and USA Today.
He gained prominence in the literary world with the publication of his first book, "The Beat Generation," in 1971, followed by his debut novel "Mexican Standoff," which introduced the character Chico Cervantes, a Mexican American private detective. Cook's most acclaimed works emerged with the introduction of John Fielding, a blind magistrate and the creator of London's first police force, featured in his novel "Blind Justice," released in 1995. Throughout his career, he published ten novels centered around Fielding. Cook passed away in 2003, leaving behind a legacy of literary contributions and a family that includes three children and five grandchildren.
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Bruce Cook
- Born: April 7, 1932
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
- Died: November 9, 2003
- Place of death: Los Angeles, California
Biography
Bruce Alexander Cook was born in Chicago, Illinois. As A child, he moved across the country, living first in Berkeley, California and then in Tucson, Arizona. By 1942, Alexander and his family had returned to Chicago. There he attended Loyola University, where he earned a degree in literature. Alexander served in the United States Army and was stationed overseas as a German translator. Following his Army career, Alexander was employed as an editor and writer for several publications, including the National Observer, Newsweek, the Detroit News, the Los Angeles Daily News, and USA Today. He published his first book, The Beat Generation, in 1971. Several years later, he published his first novel, Mexican Standoff, in which he introduced Chico Cervantes, a Mexican American private detective. Alexander published four novels featuring this character.
Alexander’s period of greatest critical acclaim began with the entry of a real-life character, John Fielding, into his novels. John Fielding was a blind eighteenth century magistrate credited with creating London’s first police force, the Bow Street Runners. Alexander’s first novel featuring John Fielding, Blind Justice, was published in 1995. Before his death in 2003, Alexander published ten novels featuring John Fielding. At the time of his death, Alexander lived in Los Angeles with his wife of nine years, Judith Aller. He had three children, three stepchildren, and five grandchildren.