Dr. Kellogg authors article appearing in Paperback Parade

Dr. Richard Kellogg, professor emeritus of psychology at Alfred State, is the author of an article appearing in the most recent issue of Paperback Parade, a quarterly journal for paperback readers and collectors. Titled “Dagmar in the World of Espionage,” the article reviews two spy novels written by Dagmar and released by Lancer Books in 1967.

Dagmar (1921-2001) was one of the first female stars in the early days of television. She appeared on the NBC program “Broadway Open House” from 1950 to 1952, and later hosted her own television show titled “Dagmar's Canteen.” Dagmar was a gifted comedienne and her photograph graced the front cover of Life magazine for June 16, 1951.

It is not generally known that Dagmar, who was born Virginia Ruth Egnor, had a talent for writing spy novels that were exciting and humorous. The first book to appear is titled “The Spy With the Blue Kazoo,” and the sequel is titled “The Spy Who Came in From the Copa.”

The author points out that Dagmar's novels offer insights into the events and the popular culture of the Cold War era. There are references to the closing of the Suez Canal, the Trujillo assassination, the Cuban missile crisis, the nuclear arms race, and the war in Vietnam. Her spy stories provide the contemporary reader with a tantalizing glimpse into the fads and fashions of American life during the decade frequently referred to as “The Swinging ‘60s.”

Dr. Kellogg writes frequently about the literary legacy of author Philip Wylie and the Sherlock Holmes adventures penned by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He is the author of the popular series of children's books featuring boy detective Barry Baskerville. The most recent book in the series is titled “Barry Baskerville Traps a Thief,” and this mystery is illustrated by noted graphic artist Gary Kato.