Original Manuscript of ‘The Thorn Tree’ by Day Keene

Original mimeographed manuscript, 353 leaves, of a novel titled ‘The Thorn Tree’ by mystery and detective writer Day Keene. Bradbound copy in fine condition. Day Keene is the pseudonym of Chicago-born mystery and detective writer, Gunard Hjerstedt (1903 - 1969). After initially pursuing a career as an actor, he turned to writing for radio and for the short story pulp trade (Ace G-Man Stories, Dime Mystery, Black Mask) where an editor suggested that Gunard change his name to something more American sounding, which he accomplished by adapting his mother’s maiden name, Daisy Keeney, to Day Keene. Keene was part of a lively and creative community of writers, including Mickey Spillane, Harry Whittington, Gil Brewer, Talmage Powell, and John D. MacDonald - the competitive nature of which inspired some of the best hardboiled crime paperback original novels of the early 1950s, published by Gold Medal, Ace, Avon, Graphic, among others, with Macfadden reprinting much of Keene’s work to wide success in the late 1960s. Unlike many of his writing peers, Keene had only one recurring character - the Hawaiian private detective, Johnny Aloha. (Inventory #: 17510E)