Arthur Cheney Train (1875–1945) was an American lawyer and writer who became a pioneer of the legal thriller genre. Drawing directly from his extensive career in the legal profession, Train crafted realistic narratives of courtroom intrigue that captivated early twentieth-century readers. He served as an assistant district attorney in New York, a role that provided him with firsthand knowledge of criminal proceedings, legal loopholes, and the complexities of the justice system.\n\nTrain is best remembered as the creator of Mr. Ephraim Tutt, a folksy, benevolent, and highly cunning defense attorney. First introduced in 1919 in the pages of The Saturday Evening Post, Tutt became one of the most famous fictional lawyers in American literature. Train wrote dozens of short stories and novels featuring the character, who used his deep knowledge of obscure laws to achieve justice for the underdog. The stories were so legally accurate and realistically detailed that many readers believed Tutt was a real living attorney, cementing Train's reputation as a master of legal fiction.\n\nThroughout his career, Train successfully balanced his active legal practice with his prolific writing. His work not only entertained the public but also offered a critical, yet affectionate, look at the quirks and ethics of the American legal system. Today, he is recognized as a foundational figure in the development of modern legal and courtroom fiction.
