Tony Hillerman

Tony Hillerman (1925–2008), an Albuquerque, New Mexico, resident since 1963, was the author of 29 books, including the popular 18-book mystery series featuring Navajo police officers Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, two non-series novels, two children’s books, and nonfiction works. He had received every major honor for mystery fiction; awards ranging from the Navajo Tribal Council's commendation to France 's esteemed Grand prix de litterature policiere. Western Writers of America honored him with the Wister Award for Lifetime achievement in 2008. He served as president of the prestigious Mystery Writers of America, and was honored with that group’s Edgar Award and as one of mystery fiction’s Grand Masters. In 2001, his memoir, Seldom Disappointed, won both the Anthony and Agatha Awards for best nonfiction.

Sacred Clowns: First Complete, Edited Draft (Titled: "The Death of Valuable Men).

This is the first complete and edited draft of Sacred Clowns. At the time of this draft the title for this novel was "The Death of Valuable Men", which foreshadows the plot of the novel. This edition is lightly edited by Hillerman and, in some cases, he includes notes to remind himself of information he wishes to add for plot for consistency. Additionally, the names of secondary characters appear to not have not been finalized in this draft.