Spillane, Mickey, 1918-2006

Mickey Spillane (Frank Morrison Spillane) was born March 9, 1918, in Brooklyn, NY. He became a writer of mystery and detective novels, and is best know for his character, Mike Hammer. He wrote his first Mike Hammer story, I, the Jury, in three weeks, when he needed money to buy real estate. His publishers 'questioned its good taste and literary merit,' but felt it would sell, and it became the first of a long series. In 1979, his publisher dared him to write a book for children. The result was The Day the Sea Rolled Back, about two boys searching for a sunken treasure ship, which was followed by another sea story, both of which were praised by reviewers for their suspense and high adventure. Biographical Source: Something About the Author, vol. 66.

From the description of Mickey Spillane Papers 1979-1982. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 456170453

Mickey Spillane (Frank Morrison Spillane) was born March 9, 1918, in Brooklyn, NY. He became a writer of mystery and detective novels, and is best know for his character, Mike Hammer. He wrote his first Mike Hammer story, I, the Jury, in three weeks, when he needed money to buy real estate. His publishers 'questioned its good taste and literary merit,' but felt it would sell, and it became the first of a long series. In 1979, his publisher dared him to write a book for children. The result was The Day the Sea Rolled Back, about two boys searching for a sunken treasure ship, which was followed by another sea story, both of which were praised by reviewers for their suspense and high adventure.

Biographical Source: Something About the Author, vol. 66

From the guide to the Mickey Spillane Papers, 1979-1982, (University of Minnesota Libraries Children's Literature Research Collections [clrc])