Herman Petersen Papers, ca. 1920-1948

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Summary

Creators:
Petersen, Herman, b. 1893
Abstract:
Herman Petersen (1893-1973) was an author of mystery and detective fiction. He sold his first story, “The seven gilded balls,” to Black mask in June 1922, and sold 17 more while the magazine was under the direction of editor George W. Sutton, Jr. He also worked for Utica newspapers, and in 1934, became a fourth-class postmaster for Poolville, New York. He sold his first full length mystery novel, Murder in the making, in 1940. His historical novel, The covered bridge (1950), was later adapted for television and aired in 1952 The collection consists of Petersen's correspondence and published and unpublished manuscripts. There is also a checklist of Petersen's stories published by professor E.R. Hagemann (in box 6).
Extent:
6 boxes (3 linear ft.)
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of correspondence and published and unpublished manuscripts of pulp fiction writer Herman Petersen. Correspondence in the collection is usually between Petersen and various publishers. Also includes a checklist of Petersen's stories published by professor E.R. Hagemann (in box 6).

Expanded Scope and Content

Herman Petersen was a sucessful fiction writer during the 1920's-1930's and his short stories were published extensively in the popular pulp magazines of the day. The collection includes both published and unpublished manuscripts as well as correspondence between Petersen and his various publishers. The collection is arranged alphabetically by pulp magazine. In addition, in Box 6, there is a checklist of Petersen's stories published by Professor E.R. Hagemann.

Biographical / historical:

Petersen was born in Utica, New York on September 9, 1893; he sold his first story, “ The seven gilded balls, ” to Black mask in June 1922; in all, he sold 18 pieces to Black mask while it was under the direction of editor George W. Sutton, Jr.; Petersen's best times in the pulp business were between 1922-33; Petersen did not depend on the pulps for his livelihood, as he worked for Utica newspapers and in 1943 became a fourth-class postmaster for Poolville, New York; he sold his first full length mystery novel, Murder in the making, in 1940; other novels include Murder R.F.D., Old bones, and The D.A.'s daughter; he also published a humorous autobiography titled, Country chronicle (1945); his historical novel, The covered bridge (1950), was later adapted for television and aired in 1952; his final mystery novel was The house in the wilderness (1957) Petersen died July 1973.

Acquisition information:
Neil J. Petersen, purchase, 1983.
Arrangement:

Collection arranged alphabetically by pulp magazine.

Physical location:
Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections Reference Desk for paging information.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
A1713 Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575, US
Contact:
(310) 825-4988
AskLSC@library.ucla.edu
Website