Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.
Paper finding aid with additional information is available in Special Collections & University Archives.
Born in New York, Frederick Nebel (1903-1967) dropped out of high school at 15 and worked, variously, as a dock hand, railroad car checker, and farmhand in the Canadian back country. These early experiences combined with Nebel's early travels to Paris, London, and Scandinavia were invaluable aids when he began to write professionally.
Nebel's first story for Black Mask appeared in 1926. His first novel, Sleepers East, was published in 1933. His two other novels were Fifty Roads to Town and But Not the End. In addition to his talents as a mystery-writer, Nebel also wrote general fiction and love stories, particularly in his later years.
The collection consists of manuscripts of Nebel's novels and short stories, correspondence, published works, and miscellaneous papers.
All three of Nebel's novels are included in the manuscript collection, as well as over 100 short stories. Correspondence consists of 950 letters between Nebel and his agent, Carl Brandt, 1945-1967. Published copies of more than 200 of Nebel's stories and articles are arranged alphabetically. Additionally, there are two personal journals, 1926-1927 and 1933-1934, as well as a folder of notes and background materials.