S.S. Van Dine was born in New York City on July 28, 1875, one of five children. His father, a prominent real estate broker, died when he was only two years old, leaving his mother to raise her children alone. He was educated at Columbia University, graduating with a bachelor of engineering degree in 1902
After working in engineering for some time, he entered the insurance business with his brother, who had formed a company in New York City under the name of Van Dine & Van Dine. S. S.'s brother later became president of this firm.
But society is ignorant and venomous, devoid of any trace of insight or understanding. It exalts knavery, and worships stupidity. It crucifies the intelligent, and puts the diseased in dungeons.S.S. Van Dine
We all do things in a certain individual way, according to our temperaments. Every human act – no matter how large or how small– is a direct expression of a man's personality, and bears the inevitable impress of his nature.S.S. Van Dine
