Bruce Elliott (1914–1973) was an American author, editor, and magician who worked across multiple genres, including mystery fiction, science fiction, and television. A prominent figure in the mid-20th-century magic community, Elliott co-founded the magicians' magazine Phoenix alongside Walter B. Gibson, serving first as assistant editor and later as its editor. He also authored several books dedicated to the art of magic, establishing himself as a key authority on the subject.
As a fiction writer, Elliott made significant contributions to pulp and genre magazines. Between 1946 and 1948, he penned fifteen stories for The Shadow magazine, notably experimenting with the formula by writing three tales in which the titular character does not appear in his iconic costumed identity. This run showcased his willingness to subvert established genre conventions.
Elliott was also a frequent contributor to The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. His notable short works include "Wolves Don't Cry" (1954), a highly regarded reverse-werewolf story, and "The Devil Was Sick", a comic fantasy piece centered on Satan. His creative career was tragically cut short following a traffic accident in November 1972; after lapsing into a coma, he passed away in March 1973.
