Special Collections Department
The Ishmael Reed Papers
VIII. Literary and Professional Correspondence, 1963-1995
Extent: 3 linear ft.
Contents: Letters, cards, postcards, drawings, notes, clippings, photographs, brochures, flyers.
Arrangement: Series VIII.1, Individual Correspondence, is arranged alphabetically by last name of correspondent. Series VIII.2, General Correspondence, has two subseries: letters to Ishmael Reed, and letters from Ishmael Reed. Each subseries is arranged chronologically by folder and within folder, with undated materials for each year at the end. Undated letters which were originally contained in a dated folder remain with the folders for that year or span of years. Other undated materials are in separate folders at the end of the subseries. Series VIII.3, Requests, has five subseries: Submission Requests, Requests to Comment, Permission to Publish, Recommendations, and Miscellaneous Requests. Each subseries is in chronological order. The remaining series are also in chronological order: Series VIII.4, Literary Information; Series VIII.5, Invitations; and Series VIII.6; Rejection Slips.
Description:
The Literary and Professional Correspondence subsection contains correspondence relating to Reed's professional life and concerns in general, but not necessarily or primarily concerned with specific projects. Materials of many kinds are included, ranging from theoretical discussion with colleagues to requests for autographs. There are letters from every period of Reed's writing career, from just before the publication of his first novel, The Freelance Pallbearers (1967) through the publication of Japanese by Spring (1993). This series is particularly important in documenting Reed's literary reputation and the effect of his writing, appearances, and collaborative projects on his peers and his readers.
The Individual Correspondence series (VIII.1) is formed from the author's files on individual correspondents or from letters removed from other sections of the collection, presumably because the correspondents were perceived to be of particular literary or historical interest. In some cases, folders for a correspondent include other materials, such as clippings, manuscripts, resumes, recommendation forms, and letters or copies of letters from others which relate to the named correspondent. In a few cases, a letter or copy of a letter from Ishmael Reed to the correspondent is included, although most letters from Reed are in the General Correspondence subseries. Correspondents include artists, such as Bettye Saar and Gerald Duane Coleman, and musicians, such as Ortiz Walton and Johnny Otis, as well as writers and academics.
The General Correspondence series (VIII.2) is based on the author's chronological files. These folders were dated with a year or span of years only. Items are arranged in chronological order within the folders, and additional correspondence in the collection which relates to general literary and professional concerns has been interfiled in the appropriate folders. In a few cases, folders had more specific labels, and these have been retained. Folders of undated materials not originally belonging to dated folders are at the end of the series, along with a folder of detached pages. There is a variety of correspondence in these files, and some materials related to specific appearances, works, academic duties, and other professional projects is included. Additional correspondence by individuals included in the named correspondence series is also present.
Series VIII.2 is divided into two subseries: letters to Ishmael Reed, and letters from Ishmael Reed. Letters from Reed are generally carbon or photocopies of typed letters, but there are a few in the author's hand. Some outgoing letters contain autograph notations. Others are obviously drafts that were not mailed, and one folder of letters retains the original folder designation, "mailed and unmailed." In some cases, short letters to more than one individual are typed on the same sheet. A few letters of reply to Reed or letters from others relating to his correspondence are included. There are also some letters from Reed which are of a personal rather than a literary or professional nature.
Series VIII.3, Requests, contains letters of specific types such as those requesting permission to publish or reprint Reed's work, or those requesting submission of original work for publication. The arrangement does not distinguish between answered and unanswered letters or between requests to which Reed responded and those he ignored or turned down. In many cases, however, initial correspondence relating to a specific appearance, work, or project is filed with other related materials in the appropriate series. There is also a subseries of Requests to Appear in Series VI. The majority of the letters in the subsection Requests to Comment are those accompanying advance copies of books by other authors with requests for a comment from Reed to use in the book's publicity. The Miscellaneous Requests subsection contains requests for autographs, information, and favors. Letters requesting recommendations for students and colleagues are found in the Recommendations subsection, along with forms, notes, resum‚s, and a few draft letters from Reed. Letters requesting recommendation can also be found in subseries VIII.1 and VIII.2. (Individual and General Correspondence) and in Series V (Academic).
Subseries VIII.4, Literary Information, consists of brochures, flyers, announcements, newsletters, and similar materials sent to Reed. Subseries, VIII.5, Invitations, and VIII.6, Rejection Slips, are based on existing folders of these types of letters. Other invitations and rejection slips can also be found in the Individual and General Correspondence files.
Contents List
48 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence, 1963-1995
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence, 1963-1995
F1 Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem, 1988-1989
Letters from Abdul-Jabbar and his staff regarding Reed's novel.
F2 Anaya, Rudolpho, 1979-1980
Includes a request for an evaluation of Anaya's work from the University of New
Mexico. (4 items)
F3 Angelou, Maya, 1976
Telegram congratulating Reed on New York Times article. (1 item)
F4 Atwood, Margaret, 1979
1 letter.
F5 Baker, Houston, 1974-1977
3 TLSs, 1 ALS from Baker. TL photocopy of draft letter to Black History
Museum from Reed addressing Baker's criticism of The Last Days of Louisiana
Red with holograph notations (some in another hand) and a signed note to "Joye."
F6 Bambara, Toni Cade, 1981-1987
1 TL, 1 TLS, 2 TC, 1 ANS.
F7 Banks, Russell, 1989
TLS, ACS.
F8 Baraka, Amiri, 1990-1994
Photocopy of "Apartheid At Rutgers: An Open Letter" with AN to Reed and 1
ACS.
F9 Barth, John, 1969 and 1980
1 ALS and 1TLS.
F10 Barthelme, Donald, 1985
4 TLSs. Two are addressed to Reed, one to "Colleagues," and one to "Committee
Members."
48 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F11 Batchelor, John Calvin, n.d.
ANS. SOHO Weekly News Letterhead. Additional signature: Ron Whyte.
F12 Bellamy, Joe David, 1977; 1992
2 TLSs, 1 ACS to Reed. Photocopy TL to Bellamy from Bob Callahan.
F13 Borovsky, Natasha, 1986
1 TLS.
F14 Boyle, Kay, 1976-1988
2 ALSs, one with envelope. 2 photocopies TL to Reed. 1 ACS. Photocopy of
Boyle's response to Life magazine's "Why are we Here" article with autograph
note to Reed about the article.
F15 Brooks, Gwendolyn, 1987; 1994
1 ALS and 1ACS. Photocopy of TL from Haki R. Madhubuti concerning
Brooks's 70th birthday with autograph signature and greeting from Madhubuti.
F16 Brown, Cecil, 1985; n.d.
TL, TLS, and note with address. (2 items)
F17 Brown, Charles, 1971
The Night Times, October 15-26. Issue with article on Charles Brown, inscribed
by Brown. Removed to oversize box.
F18 Brown, Claude, 1972-1976
1 ALS. Operation Solidarity business card. TLS from Mickie Mackay, Director of
Publicity, Stein and Day Publishers concerning Reed's review of Brown's book The
Children of Ham with photocopy of the book's preface. Clipping, "News from
Claude Brown," Santa Barbara News-Press, 16 Aug, 1972. Tear sheets of "The
Group" by Claude Brown, New York Times Magazine, 16 Dec, 1973 removed to
oversize.
F19 Brown, Wesley, 1983-1986
1 ALS. Clipping of Brown's review in Voice Literary Supplement (1986) and vita.
F20 Brownmiller, Susan, 1984
1 TNS
48 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F21 Bryant, Jerry, 1972-1976
7 TLSs, 1 TLS with missing first page. 1 ALS. Photocopies of Bryant's review of
Last Days of Louisiana Red and Bryant's article "Individuality and Fraternity:
Novels of William Gardner Smith."
F22 Bullins, Ed, 1975
1 TLS, tickets to Bullins's play Daddy, playbill for the one-act plays (A Son, Come
Home, Leavings, and The Work Gets Done) by Bullins, copy of Bullins's resumé,
and expense report from Bullins for directing Reed's play Savage Wilds.
F23 Burrows, Vinie, 1969-1975
1 TLS with holograph note. Brochures on Burrows one-woman show Walk
Together Children. 1 TLS. With carbon copies of letters to Sister Mary Hester
Valentine, Dr. Richard A. Lawson, and Dr. Ann W. Barnard concerning her show.
F24 Callahan, Robert, n.d.
2 TLSs.
F25 Cartiér, Xam Wilson; Hayes, Xam Wilson, 1986-1990; n.d.
8 TLSs, 1 ALS, 3 TCSs. Excerpt from Cartiér's Be-Bop, Re-Bop and letter from
Chris Cox, Ballantine editor, requesting a comment about the novel from Reed.
Photocopy of book jacket for Be-Bop, Re-Bop with Reed's comment. Photocopy
of Valerie Smith's review of Cartiér's novel in New York Times Book Review (1987
Dec 13), with an autograph "post-it" note to Reed from Cartiér. Letter from
Robert DeMaria, Vassar College English Department to thank Reed for
recommending Cartiér for a position there. Blank postcard addressed to Cartiér.
AN from Xam Wilson Hayes (phone numbers).
F26 Chin, Frank, 1986, 1994
3 TLSs. 1 TL. 1 TLS from Sandra Kalagian, Coffee House Press, requesting a
back cover comment for Chin's book Gunga Din Highway. Typed memo from
Chin to "Arts and Entertainment" regarding stereotypical portrayal of Chinese.
Announcement of death of a colleague, Dorothy Yoshimori.
F27 Coleman, Gerald Duane, 1979-1983
2 ALSs, 1 original cartoon by Coleman, promotional materials and photocopied
clippings on Coleman's art. A paper bag illustrated with a Coleman drawing has
been removed to an oversize box.
48 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F28 Creeley, Robert, 1976
Ts introductory note by Creeley for See All The People by Daniel Zimmerman.
F29 Cruz, Victor Hernandez, 1985
1 TLS. Announcement of Cruz/Reed Reading at Walden Pond Books. TLS from
Mrs. Giles Whiting Foundation thanking Reed for nominating Cruz.
F30 Davis, Charles T., 1980
Letter to "Members of the Calhoun Community, Yale University," invitation to
Davis's retirement dinner, Davis's vita and sabbatical project proposal.
F31 Davis, Thulani, 1973, 1975
TLS, ALS, ANS.
F32 Dawson, Fielding, 1971
TCS and photocopy of ad for Dawson's novel The Mandalay Dream with quote
from Reed.
F33 Eckels, Jon 1972, 1985
4 ALSs. Photocopies of Echels untitled poem and the introduction to his
Biography of Ted Cunningham. Photocopy of letter from Reed to Ann Freedgood
giving Eckels location at Stanford.
F34 Ellis, Trey, 1986
1 TLS.
Fabio, Sarah Webster
F35 (I), 1970-1972
3 ACSs. Copy of Fabio's conference lecture, "The Black Intellectual and the Crisis
in Education in the U.S.A," and correspondence concerning the conference.
Program for "Black Writers and their Writing" (1971 Jan 22-24). Newsletter from
Reed concerning a publication project. Brochure on artwork of Joe Overstreet.
Photocopy TLS from Fabio to Doubleday editor Loretta Barrett. See also: III.
Manuscripts by others--Fabio, Sarah Webster and VI. Appearances--1971: Jan 22
F36 (II), 1973-1979
3 TLSs, 6 ALSs, 1ANS. Invitation to Renee Fabio's wedding. Flyer for Cheryl
Fabio's photoessay. Copies of petition for an honorary doctorate to Sarah Fabio
from Fisk. Tribute to Sarah Fabio program and draft of Reed's remarks.
48 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F37 Fabre, Michel, 1975-1989
6 TLSs from Fabre to Reed. 1 TL from Reed to Fabre.
49 F38 Fair, Ron, 1969-1975
17 TLSs to Reed, 12 ALSs to Reed, 1 TL with page(s) missing from Reed to Fair.
Letter to Lynn Deming, Doubleday in reference to Fair's review of Yellow Back
Radio Broke Down. Letter from Fran McCullough, Harper & Row, concerning
Fair's return from Copenhagen. Copy of letter from Fair to the Guggenheim
Foundation with autograph note to Reed. TL(c) concerning publishing project
with autograph note to Reed.
F39 Farmer, Philip Jose, n.d.
TLS (cc) to "Larry" about The Free Lance Pallbearers.
F40 Federman, Ray, 1974-1991
1 ALS, 4 TLSs. TLS from Donald W. Rennie, State University of New York at
Buffalo, to Reed requesting an evaluation of Federman's qualifications.
F41 Ferlinghetti, Lawrence, 1973-1976
1 ALS, 1 TLS, 2 ACSs, and a bookmark announcement of Ferlinghetti's Literary
San Francisco.
F42a Field, Edward, 1977 Mar 12
TCS.
F42b Fiedler, Leslie A., 1976
3 TLSs, 1 to Steve Cannon
F43 Foreman, Doyle, n.d.
2 CSs, 1 with TNS. 1 ACS. Invitation to Forman exhibit reception. 1 ink
drawing. Matchbook cover and record sleeve with pencil drawings.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F44 Fuller, Hoyt W., 1975-1976
2 TLSs.
F45 Gates, Henry Louis, 1974-1992
12 TLSs, 1 ALS to Reed. Photocopy of a review by Gates with AN to Reed.
TLS to Sheldon Meyer, Oxford University Press (cc: Ishmael Reed) concerning
publication of Harry Hyatt encyclopedia of Hoodoo with introduction by Reed.
Memo to John Blassingame and Robert Thompson (cc: Ishmael Reed) concerning
Hyatt publication. TLS with missing first page. Photocopies of Gates typescript
pages: "Bring Back Amos and Andy" (first page only) and "The Sixth Type of
Mask" (incomplete chapter, 11 pp.). TLS from Reeve Parker to Reed requesting a
letter of recommendation for Gates with Gates's curriculum vitae. ANS on fax
cover sheet from Reed to Gates.
F46 Gayle, Addison, n.d.
1 ALS, 1TLS, photocopy of Gayle letter to the editor, New York Times Book
Review. Fragment of envelope with Gayle's address.
F47 Giddins, Gary, 1986-1989
2 TLSs.
F48 Ginsburg, Allen, 1988-1993
I TLS, 1 ALS, 1 envelope. TLS to Reed from Charles Upton concerning the
"Ginsberg/Trungpa question."
F49 Goldstein, Richard, 1970
2 TLSs.
F50 Gomez, Linda, 1976-1988
2 TLSs, 1 ALS. Letter of recommendation for Reed. Gomez's Life business
cards.
F51 Gover, Robert, 1971; 1975
2 TLSs.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F52 Gross, Ronald, n.d.
TLS concerning recantation to New York Times Magazine with copy of
recantation.
F53 Gunn, Bill, 1980-1984
2 ALSs, 1 TLS to Reed. 1 ALS with envelope to "Gundars" about getting in
touch with Reed. Copy of budget sheet for Gunn's "Love Story/Black. Mailgram
from Reed to Gunn.
F54 Gysin, Brion, 1982
TLS.
F55a Hagedorn, Jessica, 1974-1987
5 ALSs, 4 TLSs, 4 ACSs, and 3 TCSs. 2 TLS from Stephen Vincent, Hagedorn's
editor, concerning her novel Dangerous Music, and invitation to book party.
F55b Haley, Alex, 1983 May 8
ACS inscribed to Tennessee Reed.
F56 Halpern, Daniel, 1981-1986
6 TLS.
F57 Harper, Michael, 1974-1978
4 TLS. 1 TLS from Harper to Anne Freedgood mentioning Reed.
F58 Harris, Jana, 1978
TLS.
F59 Harris, William J., 1975-1988
6 TLSs, 5 ALSs, 3 ACSs. Photocopy of Harris review with autograph note to
Reed. TLS from Ruth Miller, State University of New York at Stony Brook, to
Reed requesting letter of recommendation for Harris. Copies of TLSs to Harris
from Edward D. King and Susan McGregor Denny, University of Missouri Press,
concerning publication of Harris's proposed work on Ishmael Reed. ALS from
Reed to Harris.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F60 Hass, Robert, [n.d.]
1 TLS.
F61 Hernton, Calvin, 1987-1991
1TLS
F62 Herscovitz, Marcia, 1967-1973
2 TLSs, 5 ALSs, and 2 Handmade cards. ALS to "David" who had been living at
"Ish's place." ACS to Carla [Reed]. Page from Look magazine, January 7, 1969,
part of "Black Artist" article.
F63 Heyer, Bill, 1973-1974
1 ALS, 1 TLS.
F64 Himes, Chester and Lesley, 1969-1990
4 ALSs, 2 partial ANS (3 p.), 18 TLSs, 1 CS, 1 ACS, and 1 AN. 2 TLS and 3
ALS from Lesley Himes, and copies of letters from Lesley to "John y Lori" and
"Phyllis" written after Chester became bedridden. ACS from Lesley. 1 ANS to
Carla [Reed]. ALS from Robin Hall to Ishmael about the return of some keys--
probably used by Chester and Lesley during a stay at the Reeds' home. ALS from
Mac Kellar to Ishmael Reed regarding a possible memorial issue for Himes. TLS
to Reed from Erroll McDonald of Random House regarding publication of 3 of
Himes's novels. Typed draft of a paragraph about Himes. Clippings and
photocopies of articles about Himes. Photocopy of an article on Himes from the
Journal of American Studies, April 1978 by A. Robert Lee with AN to Ishmael
from "Bob." Photocopy of part of an unidentified article about Himes's writing (p.
5-9).
F65 Hoffman, Daniel, 1974
1 TLS.
F66 Hone, Jinx, 1991
Clipping of Hone's obituary.
F67 Hongo, Garrett, 1978-1985
1 ACS. 4 TLS. 1 ALS. 1TNS.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F68 Hughes, Langston, 1966-1971
1 ACS, 1 TCS. TLS with enclosed Hughes poem "Bitter Brew." TLS to Reed
from Raoul Abdul, Hughes Secretary, about Hughes anthology The Poetry of the
Negro. TLS to Reed from John B. Nelson of Prentice-Hall announcing Black
Magic: A Pictorial History of the Negro in American Entertainment by Hughes
and Meltzer. Announcement from Thomas Y. Crowell Publishers of a biography
of Hughes by Meltzer. Photocopies of Hughes obituary and other articles about
Hughes.
F69 Hunter, Kristin, 1974-1980
2 TLSs, 1 ALS, 1 ACS. 1 TLS from Faith Donovan at Charles Scribner's
requesting comment on Hunter's book The Survivors.
F70 Inada, Lawson, 1971; 1984
2 TLSs.
F71 Joans, Ted, 1985-1988; n.d.
ALS, ACS, and AN. Photocopied letter with autograph note, signature, and date.
TLS from Phyllis Bischof, Africana Librarian, UC Berkeley, regarding Reed's
introduction for Joans's poetry reading. One ALS in on the verso of a 1987 poster
(removed to oversize).
F72 Johnson, Charles, 1975-1989
5 TLSs. 1 TLS from Will Broaddus at Atheneum requesting comment from Reed
on Johnson's The Sorcerer's Apprentice.
F73 Jones, James Earl, 1977-1978
2 TNSs.
F74 Jones, Quincy, n.d.
1 TLS.
F75 Kageyama, Yuri, 1984-1987
1 ALS, 4 TLSs, and 2 partial TLSs. Includes a TL (x) from Reed to Nate Johnson
of the National Endowment for the Arts recommending support for Kageyama's
trip to Japan. Also includes TLS to Reed from Susan Felix, President of the
Berkeley Civic Arts Commission announcing approval of a grant for his project to
publish Kageyama's poetry.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F76 Katzman, Allan, 1967-1984
7 TLSs, 2 TLs, 1 ALS, and 2 ACSs.
F77 Kelley, William Melvin, n.d.
ANS.
F78 Kennedy, Adrienne, 1981-1988
8 ALSs, 3 ANSs, 2 ACSs. Copy of a draft TL to Carol Christ, UC Berkeley
English Department requesting a teaching assignment and mentioning discussion of
the possibility with Reed. Draft of a letter of recommendation for Kennedy with
corrections in Reed's hand. Memo from Christ announcing a reading by Kennedy's
students. TLS from Alice Quinn of Alfred A. Knopf to Reed requesting comment
on Kennedy's memoir. TL from Laurie Winer of Knopf acknowledging Reed's
comment and giving edited version. Copy of TLS from Elizabeth Taylor to
Kennedy. TCS to Reed from Susan L.W. Shambayati of U of Minnesota Press
regarding classroom use of Kennedy's play In One Act.
F79 Kerouac, Jan, 1995
ACS.
F80 Killens, John Oliver 1972-1986
3 ALSs. List of Killens's professional activities 1977-1986. Photocopies of
Library Journal reviews.
F81 Kincaid, Nanci n.d.
2 ACSs.
F82 Kingston, Maxine Hong, 1990
ALS, ACS, and business card.
F83 Knight, Etheridge, 1975-1980
ALS. Photocopy of newspaper article on Knight.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F84 Kostelanetz, Richard, 1972-1980
7 TLSs with holograph corrections and additions, 2 TNSs, and 3 TCSs. Graphic
illustration with typed signature. TL to Kostlanetz from Reed. Information letters
on Kostelanetz projects Essaying Essays and Assembling. TLS from Betty
Fitzpatrick of Sheed and Ward thanking Reed for his comment on Kostelanetz's
The End of Intelligent Writing.
F85 Leonard, John, 1971-1976
TLS. Telegram and copy of return telegram from Reed to Leonard regarding
review of Edmund Murray's Kulubi. Photocopy of Leonard editorial about Black
writing. New York Times Book Review style sheet for Reed's review of Jonathan
Yardley's Upstate. Proof pages of California Monthly article on Leonard.
F86 Lermon, Rhoda, 1971
TLS.
F87 Lewis, Reginald F., 1991-1993
TLS to Reed from Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., Executive Director United Church of
Christ Commission for Racial Justice granting $25,000, made possible by the
Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, Inc., to support his work. Copy of letter from
Lewis to Chavis which accompanied the check. Clippings related to Lewis and
Beatrice International, Inc. Business card for TLC Beatrice International. TL to
Reed from R. S. Meily, passing on thanks from Lewis for a book. TLs from Reed
to Lewis reporting on plans for use of grant money with holograph note in reply.
Typed drafts of "second submission" report to Lewis. Registered mail receipt,
Reed to Lewis. Program for Lewis's memorial service and thank you note from
his widow. Original and edited fax of Reed's Utne Reader article "Reginald
Lewes, Hero."
F88 Loewinsohn, Ron, 1992-1993
1 ALS and 1 TLS.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
Lowenfels, Walter
F89 (I), 1963-1965
3 TLSs. Pamphlet: Shall Freedom of Speech Apply to All Americans? or shall the
Communists continue to be sacrificed on the altar of McCarthyism?: The
Speeches Before Sentencing of the Philadelphia Smith Act Defendants. Includes
"the right of the people to read and to listen" by Lowenfels, one of the defendants.
Book cover for Poets of Today: A New American Anthology edited by Walter
Lowenfels. Typed notes and memos. Broadside announcement of New Jazz
Poets, a record compiled and edited by Lowenfels. Note from Lowenfels
accompanying opening pages of "a first novel by Ishmael Reed" sent to Ben
Raeburn, Horizon Press.
F90 (II), 1966-1968
6 Typed letters and notes, most signed. One with corrections. 2 ANSs. One TCS.
Copy of TN to American Literary Exchange requesting funds for Reed so he can
work on his novel with TN to Reed on copy. Request forms for permission to
reprint Reed's poem "The Gangster's Death" in Lowenfels's anthology Where is
Vietnam? TL (x) to "Nan and Lil" with TNS to Reed on copy. Copies of old
letters, an announcement for a poetry recital, and a poem by Lowenfels, all with
typed notes to Reed. Clippings: reviews of Where is Vietnam? and The Portable
Lowenfels. 2 ANSs to Reed from Lowenfels's wife Lillian. Announcement for
Walter Lowenfels' Peace Poems.
F91 (III), 1969-1980
4 TLSs. Request for comments on Walt Whitman's 150th birthday for Lowenfels's
American Dialog with autograph note to Reed. 14 TNSs. 4 TNs. 2 ANSs. 2
letters from Gay Talese at Random House regarding editing of Reed poem "In a
Time of Revolution" for publication. Photostat copy of poem, "The Last Echo."
TNS to Reed from Lillian Lowenfels. Photocopy description of Lowenfels's career
by an unidentified author. Copies of articles on Lowenfels. Requests for work for
anthologies, copy of a Lowenfels letter to the editor of the Authors Guild Bulletin,
poems, an old literary note, clippings, all with autograph or typed notes to Reed.
Flyer advertisements for Lowenfels anthologies. TN (may be draft) to Lowenfels,
presumably from Reed. Invitation to Lowenfels' wedding anniversary. ACS from
Nina Serrano requesting submissions for Lowenfels's anthology on Chile and
Neruda. Invitation to memorial for Lillian Lowenfels. Copy of an article on
Whitman by Maurice Mendelson with enclosure note to Reed. TLS from Manna
Lowenfels Perpelitt to Reed regarding posthumous publication of Lowenfels's
Autobiography of an Empire.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
Lubin, Maurice
F92 (I), 1970-1971
Card, TLS, 3 ALSs, 2 CSs, and 1 ACS.
F93 (II), 1965
Publications by Lubin: Quelques Poètes Haïtiens de la Jeune Génération and
L'Afrique dans la Poesie haitienne.
F94 Madhubuti, Haki R., 1987
ALS.
F95 Major, Clarence, 1969-1981
1 ANS with flier promoting Major's work which includes a prose-poem review of
All-Night Visitors by Reed. 5 TLSs, 1 with autograph note. TLS to Reed from
Harriet Ritvo, Massachusetts Institute of Technology requesting a letter of
recommendation for Major. TLS to Reed from Patrice Vecchione of the Black
Scholar Press requesting comment on Major's book The History of Rape. Los
Angeles Free Press "Living Arts" section with article by Major (1969 Mar 7)
removed to oversize.
F96 Mars, Louis, 1976-1978
TLS. ACS. Typescript and photocopy articles on Mars's work in French. Brief
bibliography relating to Vodou in French. Articles by Mars in pamphlet form: "La
Littérature Haïtienne et L'avenir de la Langue Française en Haïti";
"L'Ethnopsychiatrie et la Schizophrénie en Haiti"; "La psychiatrie au service du
tiers-monde. Nouvelle considération." Photocopies of draft title page, table of
contents, introduction, and bibliography of The Crisis of Possession in Voodoo.
Copy of Mars's 1966 publication Temoignages I (essai ethnopsychologique).
F97 Martin, Reginald, 1987-1991
5 ALSs, TLS. Photocopy College English Association award to Martin for his
essay "New Ideas for Old: New Black Aesthetic." Photograph of Martin. Copy of
TL from Martin to Ron Sukenick of Memphis State University accompanying
submission of Martin's novel Everybody Know What Time It Is for an award.
Invitation to Martin's wedding.
F98 Maynard, Robert, 1985
TLS.
49 Series VIII. Literary and Professional Correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual Correspondence (cont'd)
F99 McCaffery, Larry, n.d.
TLS (incomplete).
F100 McFeely, W.S., 1991
ALS.
F101 McGilligan, Patrick, n.d.
1 TLS and 1 TLS (copy).
F102 McHugh, Heather, 1989
TLS.
F103 McMillan, Terry, 1976-1990
7 TLSs (one with request for recommendation and forms), ALS, TCS, 2 ACSs,
CS, ANS, and clipping. TL (copy) from Reed to Jenny McKean Moore
recommending McMillan for a position as writer-in-residence. TLS to Reed from
Gerald Mansman of the University of Arizona requesting evaluation of McMillan
for promotion.
F104 McMurty, Larry, 1989
TLS and TL (incomplete).
F105 Meredith, William, 1976
ALS.
F106 Miles, Josephine, 1980
ACS.
F107 Minsky, Mark
TN.
F108 Moore, Carman, 1983-1987
3 ALSs. TL (cc with autograph note to Reed) Moore to Nathan Huggins, Harvard
University, regarding the Guest Professor Program. TLS to Colleen [J. McElroy]
from Carman (cc) regarding Wild Gardens of the Loup Garou. Audio cassette of
taped radio interview with Moore and selections from Wild Gardens of the Loup
Garou removed to Series XI. Media.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F109 Morgan, Robin, 1991
TLS.
F110 Morrison, Toni, 1974-1987
3 TLSs. Invitation to a UC Berkeley dinner honoring Morrison.
F111 Mukerji, Bharat, 1991
2 ANS.
F112 Myles, Glenn, n.d.
4 posters removed to oversize box. Partial TS of article on Myles by Reed.
F113 Neal, Larry, 1971
TLS. Copy of written material accompanying Neal's workshop in Creativity. TL
Reed to Neal.
F114 Newman, Charles, n.d.
ANS.
F115 Newman, Francisco, 1974-1976
2 ALSs, ANS, 2 ACSs, AC, and mailgram. Cartoon "The Ishmael Reader."
Pacific film archive screening calendar with screenings of Newman's films marked
and an autograph note (removed to oversize box). Section of The Daily
Californian, April 16, 1974, with article on Newman film signed by Newman
(removed to oversize box).
F116 Newman, Mike, 1973-1977
2 TLSs, TN, TCS, 2 CSs (1 with illustrated AN enclosed). TL (copy) from Anne
Freedgood to Newman with autograph notes to Reed. Las Vegas Sun Scene
Magazine with poems by Newman and his wife Paula Ann Eskenasy (removed to
oversized box). Photocopy author's note for Newman's Players. Las Vegas Jazz
Society newsletter, Think Jazz, Oct and Nov 1976 and Jan 1977, edited by Mike
and Paula Newman.
F117 Ng, Fae Myenne, n.d.
TLS (copy).
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F118 Nicosia, Gerry, 1991
TLS and 2 TCSs.
F119 Nimrod (Malone, Carl S.), n.d.
Music and lyrics for 3 of Nimrod's compositions.
F120 Otis, Johnny, 1989
TLS (copy).
F121 Patterson, Charles, 1970-1972
3 ALSs and 4ACSs. Part of draft corrected typescript of "The Black Arts Its Rise
And Fall" by Charles Lennox, which contains references to Charles Patterson and
Ishmael Reed.
F122 Phillips, J. J., 1989-1991
3 TLSs.
F123 Ploomp, Hans, n.d.
ALS with TN.
F124 Polite, Carlene Hatcher, 1975-1978
2 ALs, 1 TL, and 1 ANS.
F125 Pool, Marquita J., 1975-1977
5 TLSs, 1ANS. 1 TL from Reed to Mr. & Mrs. St[e]phen C. Pool. I TL signed
by Stephen C. Pool.
F126 Powell, Adam Clayton, III, 1987-1991
1 TLS on Jesse Jackson letterhead. 1 ACS. 1 TL from Reed to Powell.
F127 Prettyman, Al, n.d.
1 ACS.
F128 Price, Richard, 1974
1 ALS.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
Pritchard, Norman, 1965-1973; n.d.
Many letters and notes are illustrated and/or hand-colored by Pritchard.
F129 (I). 1965-1967
2 ALSs, 2 ACSs, 2 TLSs (1 with AN).
F130 (II), 1968
4 TLSs (1 with AN), 4 ALSs and 1 ACS.
F131 (III), 1969
7 ALSs, 1 TLS, and 1 ACS.
F132 (IV), 1970-1973
12 ACSs, 7 ALSs, I TL from Reed to Pritchard. 2 flyers for poetry concerts.
Photocopy of review with ANS.
F133 (V), n.d.
Advertisement for Destinations poetry recording featuring Pritchard. Signed
photograph of Pritchard. 9 pages poetry typescript: 1 signed, and 1 with
corrections. 44 pages photocopied poems. 1 poem, "Autumnal," mimeograph
copy with typed date added. 2 pages autograph notes. 2 pages photocopied notes
with manuscript additions. Signed, dated illustration. Clipping for a reading
including Pritchard. Tearsheets of article about Pritchard in Black Youth.
F134 (VI), 1973
Announcements for readings given in Pritchard's poetry workshop at New School
For Social Research.
F135 Roach, Max, 1988
Autograph copy of Roach's statement: "Ishmael Reed is the Charlie Parker of
American Fiction" (dated 4/9/88).
F136 Ross, Michael E., 1992
ALS.
F137 Saar, Betye and Saar, Lezley, 1973-1990; n.d.
TLS, ACS from Betye Saar. 3 ALSs, ACS from Lezley Saar, Betye's daughter, to
Reed. See also: I.4. Works--Essays and Articles--Shrovetide in Old New
Orleans--Betye Saar, Artist and II.2. Interviews--By Ishmael Reed--Saar, Betye.
F138 Sanders, Ed, 1991
TLS (copy).
49 Series VIII. Literary and rofessional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F139 Schultz, Chiz, 1971-1984
1 TLS, 1 ACS.
F140 Scott, Jimmy, 1992
1 Fax.
F141 Shange Ntozake, 1976-1990
2 ACSs, 1 ALS, 1 TLS. TLS to Ishmael Reed from Jane Beirn, publicity manager
of St. Martin's Press, requesting Reed's comments on Shange's book Ridin the
Moon in Texas.
F142 Silko, Leslie, 1974-1978
4 ALSs, 1 partial ALS, 2 TLSs with autograph note, and 1 TCS. Clipping
regarding Silko and her contribution to the show "America More or Less." TLS
from Jeannette M. Seaver at Richard Seaver Books requesting a comment on
Silko's novel Ceremony.
F143 Simic, Charles, 1990
TLS, ACS.
F144 Simpson, Mona, 1985-1986
1 ALS, 1 TLS.
F145 Sneed, James, 1986
2 TLSs. 1 TLS from Sneed to Jared Kieling at St. Martin's Press with photocopy
of Sneed's review of Reckless Eyeballing.
F146 Sollers, Werner,1985-1994
9 TLSs, TL with attached ANS, 3 ALSs, 1 TNS, and 1 ANS. Incomplete TL draft
on Sollers's letterhead to "Harold" regarding a There City Cinema grant. TLS "TO
WHOM IT MAY CONCERN" letter of recommendation for Reed.
F147 Spiegelman, Art, n.d.
ALS.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence, (cont'd)
F148 Steptoe, Lammot B., 1985-1988
3 ALSs, 1 partial ALS, 1 ALS with attached ACS, 2 TLS, and 4 ACS. Inscribed
typescript of Steptoe's poem "For Etheridge Knight." Photograph of Steptoe and
companion. Four copies of clippings, 3 with ANS and two fliers, each with ANS.
F149 Steptoe, Robert, 1977
ALS with signed partial typescript of Steptoe's introduction of Reed.
F150 Stone, Chuck, 1974
TLS.
F151a Sukenick, Ron, 1975-1992
4 ALSs and 3 TLS.
F151b Sun Ra, [n.d.]
Poster of Sun Ra and John Cage inscribed by Sun Ra to Reed.
F152 Tanner, David, 1967-1968
3 TLSs: 1 illustrated with pasted-on magazine pictures, 1 with holograph
comments. 1 piece artwork and 1 handmade card, signed.
F153 Thomas, Joyce Carol, 1982-1983
2 TLSs, 1 ALS, and 1 ACS. Invitation to book party for Thomas's Bright
Shadow.
F154 Troupe, Quincy 1983, 1988
ALS from Ishmael Reed to Quincy Troupe. Photocopy ad for Miles by Miles
Davis with Quincy Troupe.
F155 Trudeau, Peirre Elliot, 1986
TLS.
F156 Vizenor, Gerald, 1985-1987
1 ALS, 1 TLS with AN, 1 TL with AN, and 1 TLS. TL to Ishmael Reed from
Jean Casella, editor at Fiction Collective, requesting comment on Vizenor's novel
Griever: An american Monkey King in China.
F157 Waldman, Anne, 1976
ALS on Naropa Institute letterhead.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F158 Wallace, Michele, 1975-1987
7 TLSs. Audiocassette of Reed's interview with Wallace removed to XI. Media.
F159 Walton, Ortiz, 1969-1992
1 AL, 1 ALS, 4 TLSs. Copy TLS Delano E. Lewis, Staff Counsel to Edward W.
Brooke, U. S. Senator from Massachusetts to Ortiz Walton, Albert Dennis, and
Ishmael Reed responding to their information package on "cultural racism." TLS
to Reed from the Guggenheim Memorial Foundation regarding Walton's
application for a fellowship. Note on Walton and Boston Symphony. TLS from
Morrow Publishers to thank Reed for the quote for Walton Music: Black, White,
and Blue. Walton's booklet, Coronation of the King: Duke Ellington's
Contributions to Black Culture, inscribed "To Ishmael Reed a prophetic genius."
Walton Bio sheet. Articles on Walton and ad for Neo-Hoo-Doo-Jazz Band.
F160 Weatherly, Thomas, Jr., 1969
TLS.
F161 Weixlmann, Joe, 1977-1980; n.d.
TLS, 3 TNSs. Photostat copy of TL to Weixlmann from Amiri Baraka.
F162 Welch, Jim, 1974
TLS.
F163a Weston, Randy, n.d.
ACS and addressed professional card.
F163b White, Edmund, n.d.
TLS.
F164 Wideman, John Edgar, 1981-1994
ALS. TLS to Reed from Avon Books, requesting comment on Wideman's two
new books. TLS to Reed from MacArthur Fellows Program, requesting an
evaluation of Wideman. Clippings related to Wideman's book Philadelphia Fire.
See also II.2. Interviews by Ishmael Reed--Wideman, John Edgar and XI. Media.
Audiocassette, John E. Wideman and Ishmael Reed.
49 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.1. Individual correspondence (cont'd)
F165 Williams, John A., 1984-1988
7 TLSs, TL, 2 ANSs and 2 invitations. Photocopy review of Williams's film El
Norte.
F166 Wong, Shawn, 1977-1989
8 TLSs and 1ALS.
F167 Wright, C. D., 1988
TLS.
F168 Young, Al, 1971-1988
4 TLSs, 5 ALSs, TNS, 2 ANSs. Fax of poem The Art of Disappearing by Naomi
Shihab Nye. Description of Reed and family from Young's Likenesses: A Dream
Journal. Photostat copies of TL from Al Young to Fred Jordan of Evergreen
Review and Jordan's reply. TLS to Reed from Carolyn Sims with request for
comment on Young's book The Song Turning Back Into Itself. TLS from Jane
Rosenman of Delacorte Press requesting comment on Young's Seduction by Light.
F169 Zarco, Cyn, 1975-1984
2 TLSs, 2 ACSs, 1 written jointly with Kathy Chang. Typescript copies of two
poems by Zarco, "Making Out" and "The Night 2 Souls Were Lost In The
Bermuda Triangle."
50 Series VIII.2. General correspondence, 1966-1994
F170 1966 - 1967
F171 1968
F172 1969
F173 1970
F174 1971
F175 1972
F176 1973
F177 1974
F178 1975 Jan-Jun
F179 Jul-Dec
50 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.2. General correspondence (cont'd)
F180 [1975] n.d.
F181 1976
F182 1977
F183 1978
F184 1979
F185 "undated 70s"
F186 1980
F187 [1980] n.d.
F188 1981
F189 1982 Jan-Jun
F190 Jul-Dec
F191 [1982] n.d.
F192 1983 Jan-Mar
F193 Apr-Jun
F194 Jul-Sep
F195 Oct-Dec
F196 [1983] n.d.
F197 [1983-1984] n.d.
F198 1984 Jan-Mar
F199 Apr-Jun
F200 Jul-Sep
F201 Oct-Dec
F202 [1984 - 1985] n.d.
F203 Re: Moscow Book Show, 1985 May-Sep
F204 1985 Jan-Mar
F205 Apr-Jun
F206 Jul-Sep
F207 Oct-Dec
F208 [1985-1986] n.d.
F209 1986 Jan-Mar
51 F210 Apr-Jun
F211 Jul-Sep
F212 Oct-Dec
F213 [1986] n.d.
51 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.2. General correspondence (cont'd)
F214 1987: Jan-Mar
F215 Apr-Jun
F216 Jul-Sep
F217 Oct-Dec
F218 [1987] n.d.
F219 1988 Jan-Mar
F220 Apr-Jun
F221 Jul-Sep
F222 Oct-Dec
F223 [1988] n.d.
F224 1989: Jan-Mar
F225 Apr-Jun
F226 Jul-Sep
F227 Oct-Dec
F228 [1989] n.d.
F229 1990
F230 [1990] n.d.
F231 1991
F232 1992
F233 1994
Undated
F234 (I)
F235 (II)
F236 (III)
F237 (IV)
F238 Unattached pages
F239 Appreciation and thanks, 1984-1986
51 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.2. General correspondence (cont'd)
Letters from Ishmael Reed, 1969-1994
F240 1969-1970
F241 1971
F242 1972
F243 1973
F244 1974 Jan-Mar
F245 Apr-Jun
F246 Jul-Sep
F247 Oct-Dec
F248 1975
F249 1976
F250 1977
F251 1978
F252 1979
F253 1980-1983
F254 1984
F255 1985
F256 1986
F257 1987
F258 draft letters 1988
F259 1988
F260 1989
F261 1992
F262 1994
F263 n.d.
F264 "Mailed and unmailed," 1968-1972
F265 To editors, n.d.
51 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.3. Requests, 1967-1990
Requests for submissions, 1967-1990
F266 1967
F267 1968
F268 1969
F269 1970
F270 1971
F271 1972
F272 1973
F273 1974
F274 1975
F275 1976
F276 1977
52 F277 1978
F278 1979
F279 1980
F280 1981
F281 1982
F282 1983
F283 1984
F284 1985
F285 1986
F286 1987
F287 1988
F288 1989
F289 1990
F290 n.d.
Requests to comment, 1970-1988
F291 1970 - 1988
52 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.3. Requests (cont'd)
Permission to publish, 1968-1989
F292 1968-1969
F293 1970
F294 1971
F295 1972
F296 1973
F297 1974
F298 1975 - 1976
F299 1977
F300 1979-1980
F301 1981-1982
F302 1983
F303 1985
F304 1986
F305 1987
F306 1988 - 1989
F307 n.d.
Recommendations, 1973-1990
F308 1973 - 1979
F309 1980 - 1985
F310 1986 - 1990
Miscellaneous requests, 1972-1990
F311 1972
F312 1973 - 1974
F313 1975 - 1976
F314 1977 - 1978
F315 1979 - 1980
F316 1981 - 1982
F317 1983 - 1984
F318 1985
F319 1986
F320 1988
F321 1989
F322 1990
F323 n.d.
52 Series VIII. Literary and professional correspondence (cont'd)
Series VIII.4. Literary information, 1966-1994
F324 [1966 - 1967]
F325 1970 - 1971
F326 1973
F327 1974
F328 1975
F329 1976
F330 "Arts and the Government," 1976 - 1977
F331 1977-1979
F332 1980
F333 1981
F334 1982
F335 1983
F336 1984
F337 1985
F338 1986
Includes photographs of Kim R. Stafford, Clarence Major, Mary Barnard, and
Anita Sullivan.
F339 1987
F340 1988
F341 1989
F342 1990-1994
F343a n.d.
F343b n.d.
F344 SF Poetry Center, 1979; n.d.
Series VIII. 5. Invitations, 1968-1990
F345 1968-1990
Series VIII. 6. Rejection slips, 1964-1981
F346 1964-1981
Return to Ishmael Reed Papers Index Page
Return to List of Manuscript Finding Aids by Title
citation and reference information
The Ishmael Reed Papers
Manuscript Collection Number: 398
Accessioned: Purchases, 1980-1995.
Extent: 65 linear ft.
Content: Correspondence, novels, plays, poems, essays, reviews, speeches, magazines, posters, clippings, brochures, flyers, broadsides, photographs, artwork, books, galley and page proofs, financial documents, catalogs, programs, photocopies, sound recordings, schedules, comic books, notes, transcripts, awards, certificates, minutes, audiovisual recordings, and miscellaneous ephemera.
Access: The collection is open for research.
Processed: 1998-1999 by Shiela Pardee, completed by Anita Wellner.
-
Special Collections, University of Delaware Library
Newark, Delaware 19717-5267
(302) 831-2229
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