Haycraft, Howard, 1905-1991

Howard Haycraft was born in Madelia, Minnesota July 24, 1905 and attended the University of Minnesota, where he edited the student newspaper. After graduating with a bachelor's degree, Haycraft moved to New York city and joined the staff of the H. W. Wilson Company in 1929. While holding a number of administrative and editorial positions in the company, he edited serveral volumes in the Wilson author series. In 1934 Haycraft was elected to Wilson's board of directors and was appointed vice president in 1940. In 1941 he wrote "Murder for Pleasure," one of his most note-worthy volumes. During World War II, Haycraft served in the Army Special Services, with responsibilities for troop education and recreation. He was discharged from the Army in 1946 as a major and returned to the Wilson Company. In 1953 he was named president of the company, a position he held until 1967, when he became chairman. In 1954 he was the recipient of the University of Minnesota's Outstanding Achievement award. Haycraft retired in 1970. A member of the Baker Street Irregulars, Haycraft edited many anthologies of detective fiction, including "The Art of the Mystery Story" (1946), "Fourteen Great Detective Stories" (1949), and "The Haycraft-Queen Definitive Library of Detective Crime Mystery Fiction" (1951). Haycraft received two Edgar awards for his work. He died in 1991.

From the description of Howard Haycraft papers 1899-1992. (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 320187511

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