At a glance
Dr. Richard Kellogg, professor emeritus of psychology, is the author of an article appearing in the most recent issue of Paperback Parade, a quarterly journal for readers and book collectors. The article is titled “Colonel Peter Trees: John Quirk's Master Spy.”
Dr. Richard Kellogg, professor emeritus of psychology, is the author of an article appearing in the most recent issue of Paperback Parade, a quarterly journal for readers and book collectors. The article is titled “Colonel Peter Trees: John Quirk's Master Spy.”
Kellogg notes that Commander James Bond, code name 007, is the most famous fictional spy in the dangerous world of international espionage. The iconic Bond was created by British writer Ian Fleming (1908-1964). However, American author John Quirk (1920-1969) also created a memorable spy in his novels about Colonel Peter Trees. There are fascinating similarities in the personalities and skill sets of Colonel Trees and the legendary Commander Bond.
The author concludes that the exciting spy novels of John Quirk offer a provocative glimpse into the cultural transformation taking place in the United States during the height of the Cold War. There was an increase in the use of illegal drugs, social values related to sexual morality were changing, communism was spreading, and many feared the possibility of a nuclear holocaust. This turbulent era ushered in a period of increased espionage among the most powerful nations in the world.
Dr. Kellogg writes frequently about the literary works of author Philip Wylie and the adventures penned by Arthur Conan Doyle. He is the author of a popular series of children's books, illustrated by graphic artist Gary Kato, which feature the precocious boy detective Barry Baskerville. The most recent entry, available on the Amazon website, is titled “Barry Baskerville Traps a Thief.”