David Keller Papers
Collection
Identifier: MS486
David Keller was a psychiatrist and science fiction, fantasy, and horror writer who frequently published in pulp magazines. Keller was popular amongst science fiction fans of the 1920s and 30s and has been praised for his innovative shift from conventional technology-heavy science fiction towards an emphasis on character psychology and humanity. This collection contains several of his short stories, correspondence with Weird Tales editor Farnsworth Wright, and other materials related to his writing career.
These materials have unrestricted access.
Permission to publish materials from this collection must be obtained from the Head of Archives and Special Collections.
0.6 Linear Feet (1 letter-sized document case and 1 legal-size document case. )
This collection contains manuscripts and typescripts by David Keller, several of which were unpublished, including a bound typescript of the unpublished "Through the Back Door (Life with the Abnormals," with a note stating it is one of only three copies of the story. The collection also includes correspondence with Farnsworth Wright, the editor of the science fiction pulp magazine Weird Tales, which published several of Keller's stories. Other materials include a handwritten receipt, a story synopsis, and a postcard to the Keller family. Three of Keller’s published works, The Eternal Conflict, The Lady Decides, and La Guerre Du Lierre, or The Ivy War, are cataloged separately in the Georgia Tech Library's catalog.
David Keller (1880-1966) was a psychiatrist and science fiction, fantasy, and horror writer known for his short stories published in early-to-mid-20th century pulp magazines. His background in psychiatry influenced his writing, pioneering the shift in focusing on gadgets and future technologies towards exploring humanity and the psychological depth of characters within the genre. He most frequently published under the name David H. Keller, MD, but also used the pseudonyms Monk Smith, Matthew Smith, Amy Worth, Henry Cecil, Cecilia Henry, and Jacobus Hubelaire.
Keller was an early scholar of H.P. Lovecraft and published several works on the author from 1948 to 1965, even providing a loan to editor August Derleth to keep the Arkham House publishing company from going bankrupt.
Keller published at least fifty stories by 1935 in many popular magazines of the time, including Weird Tales, Wonder Stories, and Amazing Stories. After 1935, his writing became more sporadic. Although very popular during his time, many of his stories are justly criticized today for their anti-feminist and racist tendencies.
These materials are arranged chronologically.
Purchased from Johnson Rare Books & Archives in October 2022.
These materials were collected by artist Russell Swanson, a friend of Keller who was the cover artist for a collection of Keller's stories.
Three of Keller's published works - The Eternal Conflict, The Lady Decides, and La Guerre Du Lierre, or The Ivy War - have been catalogued separately and can be requested through the Georgia Tech Library's catalog.
Processed by Chloe Morris in October 2023.
Part of the Archives and Special Collections, Library, Georgia Institute of Technology Repository