Ellery Queen Collection

Collection

Identifier: MS-0087

Staff Only

Collection Overview

Abstract

Dates

Creation: Majority of material found within 1963-1968, 1979

Extent

0.19 Cubic Feet (1 archives box.)

Scope and Contents

The Ellery Queen Collection consists of forty-three letters and postcards and letters written from 1964- 1968, between Frederic Dannay and a young aspiring author named John Teaney (writing as Kyle Montgomery). The letters and postcards contain advice on the craft of writing.

A single letter dated 1979 from Frederic Dannay addressed to "Ned and Kathy" is also included.

Biographical / Historical

Frederic Dannay (1905-1982) and his cousin Manfred B. Less (1905-1971) wrote the popular Ellery Queen detective novels. Dannay and Lee collaborated on roughly thirty-five novels and hundreds of short stories. The two also wrote a number of novels under the pseudonym Barnaby Ross. In addition, the pair also wrote for film and radio. Beginning in 1941, they co-edited Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, with Dannay continuing the work after Lee's death in 1971. Dannay wrote an autobiographical novel, The Golden Summer, under his given name, Daniel Nathan.

Conditions Governing Access

No known access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

Copyright and other restrictions may apply to the materials in this collection. Researchers using this collection assume full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright, and are responsible for securing permissions necessary for publication or reproduction.