Courtney Ryley Cooper

Courtney Ryley Cooper Biography

Courtney Ryley Cooper (October 31, 1886 – September 29, 1940) was an American circus performer, publicist, and writer. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, Cooper left home at the age of 16 to join a traveling circus, starting as a clown and eventually becoming the general manager. His early experiences in the circus world profoundly influenced his later writings.

Transitioning from circus life, Cooper worked as a newspaper reporter for publications such as The Kansas City Star, New York World, the Chicago Tribune, and the Denver Post. In 1914, he became the press agent for the Sells-Floto Circus, which had incorporated assets from Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, including Buffalo Bill himself.

During the 1920s and 1930s, Cooper authored over 30 books, focusing primarily on crime and the circus. Notable works include Ten-Thousand Public Enemies (1935) and Here's to Crime (1937), which highlighted the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and criticized corrupt local governments that allowed crime to flourish. FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover regarded Cooper as "the best informed man on crime in the U.S." and granted him access to FBI case files. Cooper is also believed to have ghostwritten works for Hoover, including the book Persons in Hiding (1938).

In addition to his crime writings, Cooper was an expert on circus life and authored Under the Big Top (1923), providing an insider's perspective on the circus world. He also wrote a biography of sharpshooter Annie Oakley, contributing to the preservation of her legacy.

Cooper's life ended tragically on September 29, 1940, when he was found deceased in a hotel room in New York City. While his death was officially ruled a suicide, some associates believed he may have been murdered due to his investigative work.

Trivia About Courtney Ryley Cooper

• Cooper collaborated with Federal Bureau of Narcotics Director Harry Anslinger on the article "Marijuana, Assassin of Youth," published in The American Magazine in July 1937.
• He worked with comic strip artist Dale Messick in 1940, suggesting the first storyline for Messick's Brenda Starr, Reporter.
• Cooper served in the United States Marine Corps during World War I, attaining the rank of second lieutenant and conducting historical research in France.

Famous Quotes by Courtney Ryley Cooper

• "The circus is a jealous wench. Indeed that is an understatement. She is a ravening hag who sucks your blood."
• "Crime and the circus are two sides of the same coin; both are spectacles that captivate the public's imagination."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Courtney Ryley Cooper?

Courtney Ryley Cooper was an American circus performer, publicist, and writer known for his extensive writings on crime and the circus. He authored over 30 books and worked closely with figures like J. Edgar Hoover.

What are some of Cooper's notable works?

Some of Cooper's notable works include Ten-Thousand Public Enemies (1935), Here's to Crime (1937), and Under the Big Top (1923). He also wrote a biography of Annie Oakley.

How did Courtney Ryley Cooper die?

Cooper was found deceased on September 29, 1940, in a New York City hotel room. His death was officially ruled a suicide, but some associates believed he may have been murdered due to his investigative work.

Related Literary Movements

Cooper's work is associated with early 20th-century American journalism and crime literature. His writings contributed to the public's understanding of crime and law enforcement during a formative period for the FBI.

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