Browne Popular Culture Library

PCL MS-17: John M. Patterson Collection

Introduction | Biographical Sketch | Scope and Content | Series Description | Inventory

Introduction 

John M. Patterson was an author of the mystery genre. Literary manuscripts and correspondence form the core of the collection.

In 1969, Patterson transferred his manuscripts to the Browne Popular Culture Library, Bowling Green State University. The collection is open for research, but the photocopying of manuscripts must comply with applicable copyright 1aws. This register was compiled by Nancy White Lee, Popular Culture Library Associate II, in May 1986 and updated in August 2009 by Patricia Falk.

Biographical Sketch 

John McCready Patterson was born on December 18, 1913, in Richmond, Virginia. On February 3, 1945, he married Hope Cooper Wood. He received both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Virginia. He died on April 24, 1983, in Washington, D.C.

Patterson was a newspaper reporter in Richmond, Virginia, and New York City before moving to Washington, D.C. in the early 1940's. He worked for the Office of War Information, Justice Department, and State Department. From 1952-1954 he was attaché at the United States Embassy in London. He retired from the Office of Emergency Planning in 1964. He was executive vice president and president for Radio Free Europe Fund from 1958-1964. Patterson was a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Metropolitan and National Press Clubs and founder of the International C1ub. Patterson wrote one book, Doubly Dead.

Scope and Content 

The John M. Patterson Collection houses the literary manuscripts for his book Doubly Dead. Included are related materials such as publishing correspondence, foundry proofs, galley sheets, book jacket, and Doubleday and Co. invoice and catalog. Researchers interested in the mystery genre will find this collection of research value.

Series Description 

Correspondence

Series
Literary Correspondence
1968-1969
Arranged chronologically.
This series includes general publishing correspondence.

Literary Productions

Series
Manuscripts, Literary
1968-1969
Arranged by title.
This series includes an original first draft manuscript with handwritten corrections and additions and an originalprinter1s manuscript for Doubly Dead. Included are foundry proofs, final galley sheets, and folder with author's notes.

Book Jacket
1969
This series includes the book jacket that appeared with the book.

Financial Documents

Series
Bills and Receipts
1969
This series includes three invoices from Doubleday and Co. for the purchase of three books.

Printed Materials

Series
Catalogs
1969
This series includes a Doubleday and Co. catalog listing Doubly Dead.

Inventory 

Box 1
FolderDescriptionDate
1Correspondence
Literary
1968-1969
Doubly Dead 1968-1969
2Original title: Call The Centenier
First draft, original title manuscript with corrections, additions, and suggested changes
 
3Original printer's manuscript
4Foundry proofs
5Foundry proofs, reader's set
6Final galley sheets
7Folder with author's notes
8Book jacket
9Invoices
From Doubleday and Co.
1969
10Book Catalog
From Doubleday and Co.
January-April 1969

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