Best known for the detective novels he wrote under the pseudonym John Rhode, Cecil John Charles Street was a prolific writer of straightforward detective stories in the demanding tradition of Freeman Wills Crofts. Also using the pseudonym Miles Burton, he produced some 140 mystery novels. There have been other equally productive writers, but few have been able to match Street's usual high standards and merit. Many of his novels were extremely popular--especially in England, where they were republished at frequent intervals.

Little is known of Street, who was reclusive and extremely reticent about his private life. A professional soldier, he eventually rose to the rank of major, was awarded the Military Cross, and became an officer in the Order of the British Empire. His interests--history, politics, science, and criminology--are apparent in the nonfiction books,mostly on historical and politics, subjects, with which he began his writing career. He also...