Max Brandt

Max Brand was the most famous pseudonym of Frederick Schiller Faust (May 29, 1892 – May 12, 1944), one of the most prolific authors in American literary history. Operating under nearly 20 different pen names, Faust wrote hundreds of novels and short stories spanning multiple genres including Westerns, detective fiction, romance, and science fiction. His Western novels, particularly those featuring his characters like Destry and Silvertip, became iconic in American pulp literature and were frequently adapted into films. He also created Dr. James Kildare, the famous fictional physician whose character became the basis for popular radio shows, films, and television series. Faust was a master of commercial fiction, capable of writing thousands of words daily while maintaining narrative quality. Despite his immense popularity, he remained relatively anonymous during much of his career due to his use of pseudonyms. His work profoundly influenced American popular culture and entertainment, establishing templates for the Western and detective genres that persist today. Faust died in World War II while working as a war correspondent.