The collection consists of the personal and professional papers of science fiction and fantasy authors Poul and Karen Anderson. These materials document the writing and publishing process and their involvement with the science fiction community and other organizations such as the Society for Creative Anachronism and Sherlockiana groups. Items in the collection include correspondence, manuscript drafts, notes, diaries, personal records, artwork, memorabilia and ephemera from various conventions and events.

Poul Anderson was born in Pennsylvania in 1926 to an American father and a Danish mother. They lived in Texas until the death of his father in late 1937. After some time traveling and a year and a half living in the Washington, D.C. area, Poul, his brother, and his mother settled in Minnesota in 1939. Poul attended the University of Minnesota where he graduated in 1948 with a degree in Physics. His first story was published in 1947 and he went on to have a prolific and successful writing career. He was the President of the Science Fiction Writers of America from 1972 to 1973 and was named a Grand Master in 1997. His works were widely recognized across the profession and fandom, winning 7 Hugo awards, 3 Nebula awards, a John Campbell Memorial award, and more. Poul's writings encompassed most of the speculative spectrum including hard and soft science fiction; fantasy, folklore, and mythology; and alternate and future history. His writing was consistently informed by his love and knowledge of science, his Scandinavian heritage, as well as mythology and history. Poul passed away in 2001.

54.17 linear feet (73 boxes, 41 flat file folders)

Copyright has not been assigned to the University of California, Riverside Libraries, Special Collections & University Archives. Distribution or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. To the extent other restrictions apply, permission for distribution or reproduction from the applicable rights holder is also required. Responsibility for obtaining permissions, and for any use rests exclusively with the user.

This collection is open for research. Some materials have been restricted at the request of the donor until 2044 and are noted as such within this finding aid.