HALEY, Alex (1921-1992). Archive of Signed Letters Plus Three Photos of Haley with Stevie Wonder. [V.p., ca. 1970s]. Nearly 44 autograph letters signed, typed letters signed, several photocopies with Haley's manuscript notes, signed. 4 promotional flyers for Roots, three photographs of Haley with Stevie Wonder (one in color, 10 x 8", two in black and white, 11 x 14"). Also with a color snapshot of Haley on a sailing ship (the USCG Square Rigger Eagle, 3 1/2 x 5"). On a variety of paper, including Haley's personal stationery, Westfall-Larsen & Co., World Press Institute, Library of Congress, U. S. Coast Guard Academy, plain paper, etc. Sizes range from approximately 4 x 5 1/2" to 11 x 8 1/2".
Condition
Generally toned, many with creases, some edgewear with some light marginal chipping, some short tears, several with paper-clip rust markings. Generally very good.
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Most of these letters are addressed to Louis and/or Evelyn Blau, one letter is addressed to Andrew Young (b. 1932), politician, activist, and diplomat. Most of the letters deal with Haley's landmark novel, Roots, as well as various adaptations and related projects; a few letters mention Haley's work with Playboy Magazine, three letters mention Haley's Autobiography of Malcolm X, including a letter which states: "I spoke at Coker College for women, very vulnerable, genteel, conservative. Indeed, the local K[..] K[..] K[..] has threatened to march that the administration had ventured to have 'That Malcolm X N[...]r' there. [But they actually didn't]." The photos with Stevie Wonder show Haley and Wonder at a keyboard instrument, and one photo of Wonder and Haley posing with Wonder's family at the time. From the personal collection of Louis Blau, literary and film attorney for Alex Haley.