Behn, Harry

Harry Behn was born September 24, 1898, in McCabe, Yavapai County, Arizona, the son of Henry K. Behn, a miner, and Maren (Christensen) Behn. He graduated from Harvard University with an Bachelor of Science. in 1922. He worked as a screen writer for motion pictures, including The Racket in 1928 and Hell's Angels in 1930. Behn taught writing at the University of Arizona from 1938 to 1947 and founded the University of Arizona Press in 1960. He published his first book of poetry, Siesta, in 1931, and, at the urging of his children, began writing children’s books. In 1949, he published The Little Hill, a book of poetry for children. Behn also wrote fiction for older children and young adults, including The Faraway Lurs in 1963. Behn illustrated many of his works and received several awards for his artwork. He died on September 6, 1973 in Saville, Spain.

Sources:

Biographies, Library of Congress. Harry Behn. Accessed 2021-07-01. https://www.loc.gov/item/n50006617/harry-behn-1898-1973/

Archives West, Orbis Cascade Alliance. Harry Behn Papers, 1914-1968. Accessed 2021-07-01. http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv12322#dscID