Robin Walz Correspondence with Russell T. Barnhart

Robin Walz is an Emeritus Professor of History from the University of Alaska Southeast who has spent his career studying modern European intellectual history and the history of popular culture in modern France. Walz received his bachelor's of History from Whitworth College in 1979, master's in History from San Francisco State University in 1988, and Ph.D. in History from the University of California, Davis in 1994. Professionally, he is an active member in French historical societies, including having served as the Vice-President of the Western Society for French History, co-editor of the Journal of the Western Society for French History (2011-2015), and the Assistant Editor of H-France Forum (Society for French Historical Studies).

While working on his Ph.D. dissertation, titled "Imaginary Paris: Surrealism and Popular Culture in Early Twentieth-Century France," Walz found several references to Eugene Villiod, a detective in Paris, France. While attempting to track down Villiod's published works, he came across references to a preface Russell T. Barnhart wrote for Crooks, Con Men and Cheats, one of Villiod's books. Walz contacted Barnhart about getting further information about Villiod and other references, which began a correspondence that lasted until 1998.

[Biographical note partially adapted from Robin Walz directory page on the University of Alaska Southeast website, accessed October 27, 2021. Other information provided by Walz.]