Where to start
Perry Mason
2 versions · originally a book, 1933
Themes: Justice, Deception, Moral Ambiguity, Underdog, False Accusation.
Perry Mason delivers the quintessential legal procedural where a brilliant defense attorney masterfully uncovers the truth behind impossible cases.
✦ Most fans start here
Perry Mason (1933)
The original novel
✦ Start herePerry Mason
Erle Stanley Gardner · Book · 1933
The 1933 Perry Mason novel establishes the foundational blueprint for the series, offering a gritty, hard-boiled look at the legal process that rewards readers seeking the character's original literary origins.
1957 series
Perry Mason
Erle Stanley Gardner · Series · 1957
The 1957 Perry Mason television series defines the iconic courtroom drama format, providing a polished and methodical visual representation of the defense attorney's pursuit of justice for the wrongly accused.
Common questions
Should I start with the Perry Mason book from 1933 or the 1957 TV show?
The Perry Mason book published in 1933 serves as the original source material for the franchise. The 1957 TV show is a later adaptation of these stories. Starting with the book provides the foundational experience, while the television series offers a visual representation of the established narrative.
Is Perry Mason the 1957 TV show based on the 1933 book?
Yes, the Perry Mason television series that premiered in 1957 is an adaptation of the source material originally introduced in the 1933 Perry Mason book. The show translates the legal mysteries established in the written works into an episodic format for television audiences.
What order should I consume the Perry Mason adaptations?
There is no strict requirement for the order of consumption between the 1933 Perry Mason book and the 1957 television adaptation. You may choose to read the original source material first to understand the roots of the series or watch the 1957 TV show to experience the visual adaptation.
Is Perry Mason (1933) the original source for the entire series?
The 1933 Perry Mason book is the original source material for the franchise. All subsequent adaptations, including the 1957 television series, are based on the character and legal narratives established in this initial publication. It remains the definitive starting point for the history of the property.