PCL MS 130 Keith Laumer Collection

File 1

MLA Citation

Laumer, March. “PCL MS 130 Keith Laumer Collection.” Finding Aids. BGSU University Libraries, 14 May 2021, lib.bgsu.edu/finding_aids/items/show/2691. Accessed 20 May 2025.
TitlePCL MS 130 Keith Laumer Collection
CreatorLaumer, March
Introduction

The Keith Laumer Collection consists of approximately 24 linear feet of manuscript materials. The collection was donated to the Browne Popular Culture Library by March Laumer between 1993 and 1994. This collection is unprocessed, but may be accessed by contacting the BPCL reference email.  The collection has no restrictions placed on its use for scholarly purposes. Researchers are responsible for securing copyright permission when using all unpublished manuscripts and published works found in this collection.

Biographical SketchJohn Keith Laumer (1925-1993) was a prolific American science fiction writer. He is best known for his characters Bolo (a self-aware tank) and Reteif, a spacefaring diplomat. Laumer drew heavily on his time as a diplomat in the US Foreign Service for his writing, especially for the Reteif character.

Laumer wrote several books based on the British TV series The Avengers and The Invaders, as well as non-fiction works on model airplane building, a hobby of his.

Keith Laumer had a stroke in 1971 which kept him from writing for several years. When he did return to writing, his work was often retreads of stories he had written during his heyday. He passed away in 1993 due to complications from another stroke.
Scope and ContentThe Keith Laumer Collection includes correspondence, manuscripts in various stages of completion, and other documents relating to Mr. Laumer's life. This collection will be of interest to those interested in studying the process of a prolific mid-20th century science fiction writer. Of additional interest may be Keith Laumer's correspondence with his brothers Frank and March, both writers in their own regard.
InventoryAn inventory has not been completed for this collection. A draft inventory that was compiled when the initial donation was received is attached to this finding aid. It may be incomplete.
TransfersPublished works by Keith Laumer may have been part of the donation to this collection. These books would have been separated and cataloged with the regular materials of the Browne Popular Culture Library.