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Finding Aid of the Herman Petersen Papers
1339  
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Description
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later adapted for television and aired in 1952 The collection consists of Petersen's correspondence and published and unpublished manuscripts.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).
Background
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.
Extent
6 boxes (3 linear ft.)
Restrictions
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library, Department of Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Availability
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Advance notice required for access.