Draft, typescript, corrected, of essay. Differs from version published in The New York Review of Books (January 7, 1971 issue). Signed "Brother James".
One TLS in which Baldwin announces his intention to finish "Letter for My Younger Brother," describes his thoughts on newly begun novel ("Giovanni's Room"), and requests a loan of twenty dollars. The letter includes a clipping of an article on James Baldwin from the Herald Tribune Book Review (1953 May 31).
One TLS to Samuel L. Blumenfeld, written in Cannes, discussing various writing projects, including Baldwin's new work on a "primer" based on correspondence with his younger brother, completion of "The Amen Corner," and work towards his second novel, Giovanni's Room.
Correspondence, with accompanying envelopes, includes three autograph letters, signed, two autograph notes, signed, and one page with notes and sketches. Letters discuss writing, books, travel, and other engagements.
Draft, typescript mimeograph, of Baldwin's screenplay based on Alex Haley's The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Differs substantially from version published in 1973 as One Day, When I Was Lost; possibly an earlier draft.
Inscribed "Background material for screenplay on Malcolm X. Calder Willingham."
Carl Van Vechten Papers Relating to African American Arts and Letters
Container / Volume:
Box 2 | Folder 36
Image Count:
22
Resource Type:
Archives or Manuscripts
Abstract:
Includes third-party letter regarding photograph of Baldwin (1956) and form letters from civil rights organizations written under Baldwin's signature (1963-1964)
The Walter O. Evans Collection of James Baldwin is comprised of a typescript draft of Baldwin's Another Country (New York: Dial Pub., 1962) and correspondence sent from Baldwin to Mary Garin-Painter, David Adams Leeming, and Eugene Lerner dating from 1953 to 1987. In his letters Baldwin discusses his writing projects and personal life (ranging from his relationships to his experience living abroad in France and Turkey). Baldwin also reflects on his experience at the MacDowell Colony where he was in residence while working on his novel Giovanni's Room. The correspondence constitutes a window into Baldwin's creative process and life during this period.
Description:
Purchased from Walter O. and Linda Evans on the Edwin J. Beinecke Book Fund and the Sinclair Lewis Fund, 2013.