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Papers of P. Schuyler Miller

 Collection
Call Number: MS 255

Overview

American science fiction writer and critic P. Schuyler Miller (1912-1974) wrote book reviews for Astounding Science Fiction magazine and then its successor, Analog. This collection reflects his work as a book reviewer and is primarily made up of letters from science fiction readers. It also includes business correspondence between Miller and other writers.

Dates

  • Creation: 1930 - 1974

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

No access restrictions.

Conditions Governing Use

These materials are stored in the KU Annex off-site storage area.

All researchers interested in reviewing this material must consult Spencer Research Library Public Services staff (785-864-4334 or ksrlref@ku.edu, 9-5 M-F CST) no less than three days in advance of a planned visit. Be advised that drop-in requests for this material cannot be accommodated.

Spencer Library staff may determine use restrictions dependent on the physical condition of manuscript materials.

Biography of P. Schuyler Miller

P. Schuyler Miller was born February 21, 1912 and raised in New York's Mowhawk Valley, which led to his life-long fascination with the Iroquois nation. He pursued this interest as an amateur archaeologist and a member of the New York State Archaeological Association.

Miller received his M.S. in chemistry from Union College in Schnectady, New York. He subsequently worked as a technical writer for General Electric in the 1940s, and for the Fisher Scientific Company in Pittsburgh from 1952 until his death.

Miller wrote pulp science fiction beginning in the 1930s. His work appeared in such magazines as Wonder Stories, Science Fiction Digest, Marvel Tales, and Super Science Stories, among others.

Miller gradually moved into writing book reviews, beginning in 1945, initially for Astounding Science Fiction and later for its successor, Analog. He began a regular monthly review column in Astounding Science Fiction in October, 1951. He is also known as an early bibliographer of Robert E. Howard's "Conan" stories in the 1930s, together with his friend John D. Clark.

In 1963, Miller was awarded a special Hugo Award for book reviews. He died October 13, 1974 in Blennerhassett Island, West Virginia.

Extent

11.5 Linear Feet (24 document cases)

Language of Materials

English

Scope and Contents

The P. Schuyler Miller collection dates from 1930 to 1974, consisting largely of correspondence from his years as a book reviewer. While the letters are primarily from science fiction readers, there are letters from influential members of the science fiction community as well, including Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and Lloyd Biggle, Jr.

A large portion of the collection consists of fandom material, including letters from science fiction readers who were responding to Miller's request in first Astounding Science Fiction and later Analog for the readers' top 25 favorite science fiction books and top 10 favorite science fiction authors.

The collection also includes Miller's correspondence with science fiction writers as well as conference advertisements, agendas, and progress reports.

Physical Location

MS 255

Physical Location

Contact Spencer Library Public Services (Library Annex)

Title
Guide to the P. Schuyler Miller Collection
Subtitle
Papers of P. Schuyler Miller
Author
Finding aid prepared by skt, 2008. Finding aid encoded by skt, 2008. Revised by mmj, 2024.
Date
2008
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Finding aid written in English.
Finding aid permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/10407/1262798651
Preferred citation
Papers of P. Schuyler Miller, Department of Special Collections, MS 255, Kenneth Spencer Research Library, University of Kansas

Repository Details

Part of the University of Kansas. Kenneth Spencer Research Library Repository

Contact:
1450 Poplar Lane
Lawrence KS 66045-7616 United States
785-864-4334