The Masterpieces of Eustace Cockrell: Collected Works, Volume II, 1946-1957

Cockrell, Eustace

ISBN 10: 1954786018 / ISBN 13: 9781954786011

Published by Mission Point Press, 2021

Seller Inventory # 42648745-n

Synopsis:

Eustace Cockrell was a pioneer television writer who contributed to many of the early western shows, including “Have Gun Will Travel,” “Maverick” and “Gunsmoke,” while under contract with Warner Brothers. He also wrote for such high-profile television programs as “Alfred Hitchcock Presents,” “I Spy” and “Naked City.” Prior to his Hollywood career, Cockrell was a prolific writer of short stories. Over a 25-year period beginning in 1932, his works appeared regularly in pulp fiction magazines such as Blue Book and Argosy as well as in “slicks” like Collier’s, Saturday Evening Post and Cosmopolitan. Now, for the first time, these stories have been collected in a two-volume set edited by Roger Coleman, Cockrell’s son-in-law. Coleman, also a writer, is married to Cockrell’s daughter, Elizabeth.

These two volumes have been organized to reflect a division within Cockrell’s writings. His early stories (1936-1945) portray the darkness of the Great Depression and the coming of World War II. Here, orphans, ex-cons and soldiers often serve as sources of inspiration. His later stories (1946-1957) express greater awareness of social issues and a rebellion against restrictive attitudes, especially those limiting the roles of women and minorities. Cockrell was a gifted writer for whom everyone, even the most hard-hearted and downtrodden, received a second chance. Hope came not from the power of wealth or prestige but from the innocence of children, the integrity of women; and the insights of those often on the fringes of society.

The Masterpieces of Eustace Cockrell further defines Cockrell’s importance as an American writer, whether read in print or watched on the small screen.

About the Authors: Eustace Cockrell was a pioneer television writer who contributed to many of the early western shows, including "Have Gun Will Travel," "Maverick" and "Gunsmoke." He also wrote for such high-profile television programs as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "I Spy" and "Naked City." Cockrell was also a master of the short story prior to his Hollywood career. Over 25 years, beginning in 1932, his works appeared regularly in pulp fiction magazines such as Blue Book and Argosy as well as in "slicks" like Collier's, Saturday Evening Post and Cosmopolitan.

Roger Coleman, this collection's editor, has spent much of his life collecting the stories of American author, Eustace Cockrell. Cockrell was a major contributor to both "pulp" and "slick" magazines before moving to Hollywood and becoming a pioneer writer of westerns (Gunsmoke) and other early television shows (Alfred Hitchcock Presents). Coleman is married to Cockrell's daughter, Elizabeth. "Marrying into this family, I was soon surrounded by the respect with which Eustace Cockrell was held, not only as a writer, but as a person. To his family and friends, he was a man of integrity, consistent with the qualities of honesty, fair play and hopefulness found in his many memorable characters. Collecting his works has been a joy. Sharing them in this collection is a long overdue responsibility." In addition to editing the two-volume "Masterpieces of Eustace Cockrell," Coleman, a retired clergyman, is the author of several children's books including the Christmas classic, The Pope and the Snowman. Coleman attended Bethany College majoring in English literature. He holds graduate degrees from Texas Christian University, the University of Missouri and St. Paul School of Theology. Dr. Coleman has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by the Missouri School of Religion for his community involvement. Roger and Elizabeth Coleman currently live in Edenton, NC. He can be reached at rcoleman@clergyservices.com.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Masterpieces of Eustace Cockrell: ...
Publisher: Mission Point Press
Publication Date: 2021
Binding: Soft cover
Condition: New