Bissell, Richard, 1913-1977

Richard Bissell (1913-1977) was an American author, playwright and critic. In addition to his literary pursuits, Bissell also worked in the Venezuelan oil fields, as a seaman, a factory superintendent, and as a river pilot on the upper Mississippi and Monongahela Rivers. Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, Bissell graduated from Harvard University in 1936, married Marian Van Patten Grilk in 1938, and had four children: Thomas, Nathaniel, Anastasia, and Samuel. Some of his well-known works include the novel 7 1/2 Cents, which served as the basis for his play and later screenplay The Pajama Game, A Stretch on the River, and My Life on the Mississippi; or, Why I Am Not Mark Twain . Bissell died in Dubuque on May 4, 1977.

From the guide to the Richard Bissell Manuscript, 1964, (Special Collections Research Center, Syracuse University Libraries)

Author, of Dubuque, Iowa, b. 1913; d. 1977.

From the description of Papers, 1952-1973. (University of Iowa Libraries). WorldCat record id: 28412640

Author.

From the description of Papers of Richard Pike Bissell, 1952-1973. (University of Iowa Libraries). WorldCat record id: 233110730