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Courtney Ryley Cooper papers, 1866-1969

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Cooper, Courtney Ryley, 1886-1940.
Title
Courtney Ryley Cooper papers
Dates
1866-1969 (inclusive)
1915-1969 (bulk)
Quantity
8.23 cubic feet (18 boxes)
Collection Number
04363
Summary
Writings and personal papers of an American author who specialized in circus and crime stories and who worked closely with FBI director J. Edgar Hoover.
Repository
American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming
American Heritage Center
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave.
Dept. 3924
Laramie, WY
82071
Telephone: 3077663756
ahcref@uwyo.edu
Access Restrictions
Access Restrictions

There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.

Languages
English
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Historical Note

Courtney Ryley Cooper was a journalist and writer known for his books (fiction and nonfiction), short stories, magazine articles, and screenplays on crime, the circus, Buffalo Bill, wild animals, and the Rocky Mountains. He acted as press agent for the Sells-Floto Circus and Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in 1914-1915. His first book was "Under the Big Top" (1923). Working with William F. Cody's widow, he later wrote a book-length biography titled "Memories of Buffalo Bill." Cooper also wrote a biography of Annie Oakley. During the 1930s he worked with J. Edgar Hoover, writing many articles championing the FBI and its crime fighting activities. Cooper also wrote screenplays, including "The Plainsman."

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Content Description

The collection contains correspondence, legal documents, and manuscripts, all relating primarily to Cooper's writing. Correspondence includes exchanges with J. Edgar Hoover, director of the FBI. Many of the legal documents are concerned with Cooper's copyrights. The manuscripts include both published and unpublished work Cooper did for newspapers and magazines. In addition, the collection contains books and newspaper and magazine clippings of Cooper's published work. There are also photographs and a transcript of a radio interview with Cooper.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

Copyright Information

The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.

Preferred Citation

Preferred Citation

Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.

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Administrative Information

Related Materials

Related Materials

There are no known other archival collections created by Courtney Ryley Cooper at the date of processing.

Acquisition Information

Acquisition Information

The material was received from the estate of Genevieve (Mrs. Courtney Ryley) Cooper, 1972-1978.

Processing Note

Processing Information

The collection was processed by D. Claudia Thompson and Olivia Bassett in October 2016.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Container List

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Authors -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Circus -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Journalists -- United States -- 20th century.
  • Wild west shows.

Personal Names

  • Buffalo Bill, 1846-1917.
  • Hoover, J. Edgar (John Edgar), 1895-1972.

Corporate Names

  • United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Processed by D. Claudia Thompson
2013; 2016

CC Attribution
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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