“This institution is a monument to and a repository of Black heritage,” the author said during an announcement of the Center’s launch of a capital campaign as part of its 60th-anniversary celebration. The papers are part of Baldwin’s collection located in box 3b, folder 5.Īlthough the world never got to read a book released under such an epic partnership, their letters are a treasure trove for researchers. The inquiry sparked letters and telegrams between them for two years. “In short, to have the easeful and profitable publishing circumstances you deserve.” “Aside from the obvious desire to ‘edit’ someone who is still the most articulate and gifted writer around, I am most anxious for you to be in good hands-be properly published, elegantly promoted, comfortably handled,” she continued. “I am extremely excited about meeting you and discussing the possibility of some future work together,” wrote Morrison in a 1973 letter to Baldwin. There, she made history as the publishing house's first woman African American editor. The two mulled over ways to bring this collaboration together during her years as an editor at Random House. Imagine a book written by James Baldwin (1924-1987) and edited by Toni Morrison. If you are inspired to read more of the Pulitzer Prize winner’s work, MIRS also has 1977’s Song of Solomon in an audio format. Morrison narrates the story along with award-winning actress Ruby Dee.

Angelou’s (1927-2009) letter about The Bluest Eye, the Moving Image and Recorded Sound Division ( MIRS) holds the audiobook. If you would like to read the text that inspired Dr. The letters are located in box 33, folder 31 of Angelou’s collection in the Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division. The novel, which won 1988's Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, tells the story of formerly enslaved Sethe whose home is haunted by the ghost of the infant daughter she killed to save her from enslavement. 'I loved Beloved and I love you,' she wrote. “I knew if I cracked the first page, you’d have me and there would be no letting go.” movie,” wrote Angelou in a 1987 handwritten letter to Morrison about her novel. “I have been late reading Beloved because I’ve been struggling to finish a screen play–T.V. The book tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, an 11-year-old Black girl, who prays to be blond and blue-eyed believing it will free her from the abuse in her life and that her family will love her. “Your book is so great, your perception so deep and clear and your poetry-ah your poetry while reading, no better, being in your book, I was entranced, hypnotized yet aware. “‘The Bluest Eye’ is just closed and while your magic is still living here around me, I’m obliged to write you,” stated scholar, poet, filmmaker, and writer Maya Angelou in a 1971 letter of Morrison.

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