Manuscript for London Observer article describing research for Roots
by HALEY, Alex
- Used
- near fine
- Condition
- Near Fine
- Seller
-
Gloucester City, New Jersey, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
The manuscript begins with Haley recounting how he first heard the stories of his family as a young boy from his grandmother and her sisters, particularly the tales of his earliest ancestor to whom she referred as "The African." Years later Haley recounts his amazement at finding his grandmother's name in documents at The National Archives in Washington, DC and how that discovery triggered his obsession to find out all he could about his family history and resulted in trips to both England and Africa to further research his history.
Haley had published an article similar to this one in The New York Times Magazine the year before, but this version was re-edited, expanded, and included an emphasis on his time in England to better appeal to readers of The Observer. Both of these articles were then used as the basis for the final three chapters of Roots, in which Haley describes his genealogical journey. This draft differs from the first with Haley describing his research into the slave ship Lord Ligonier, as well as its captain, construction of tall ships, methods of sailing at the time, his visits to various English seaport towns, and a passing note about the ancestry of his grandmother on his father's side, all material later incorporated into the larger narrative of Roots.
Accompanying the manuscript is a December 12, 1966 letter from Haley's literary agent, Paul R. Reynolds, confirming that Hutchinson (the English publisher of The Autobiography of Malcolm X) had optioned Roots; a letter from an Observer editor, looking forward to Haley's article and offering to take him to lunch; two edited drafts and a retained carbon copy of Haley's letter to the editor apologizing for his delay, confirming some agreed upon edits, and providing payment details; a large envelope with a note in Haley's hand "January 28, 1973 working draft for article on Roots (extension of The New York Times Magazine article) for London Observer"; and a 1977 program for a "Tribute to Alex Haley" benefiting the West Adams Community Hospital in Los Angeles Inscribed to the Observer editor.
A compelling article providing insight into Haley's research for and writing of Roots. A scarce opportunity to own a significant contribution to the manuscript of one of the most influential books on the Black experience in America.
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Details
- Seller
- Between the Covers- Rare Books, Inc. ABAA (US)
- Seller's Inventory #
- 465190
- Title
- Manuscript for London Observer article describing research for Roots
- Author
- HALEY, Alex
- Format/Binding
- Unbound
- Book Condition
- Used - Near Fine
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Date Published
- 1973
- Weight
- 0.00 lbs
- Keywords
- African-Americana, Archive, Letters(ALS/TLS), Manuscript
- Bookseller catalogs
- African-Americana;
Terms of Sale
Between the Covers- Rare Books, Inc. ABAA
All books are first editions unless otherwise noted. All books are returnable within ten days if returned in the same condition as sent. We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER, PAYPAL, checks and money orders. New Jersey residents please add 6.625% sales tax. All items guaranteed, all items subject to prior sale. Members ABAA, ILAB. Shipping is $4.50 for Media Mail, $10.00 for Priority Mail or UPS Ground. Tracking is provided for every order. Alternate shipping available by request. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.
About the Seller
Between the Covers- Rare Books, Inc. ABAA
About Between the Covers- Rare Books, Inc. ABAA
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