A radiant collection of letters from the renowned author of Invisible Man that trace the life and mind of a giant of American literature, with insights into the riddle of identity, the writer’s craft, and the story of a changing nation over six decades

A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK

These extensive and revealing letters span the life of Ralph Ellison and provide a remarkable window into the great writer’s life and work, his friendships, rivalries, anxieties, and all the questions about identity, art, and the American soul that bedeviled and inspired him until his death. They include early notes to his mother, written as an impoverished college student; lively exchanges with the most distinguished American writers and thinkers of his time, from Romare Bearden to Saul Bellow; and letters to friends and family from his hometown of Oklahoma City, whose influence would always be paramount.

These letters are beautifully rendered first-person accounts of Ellison’s life and work and his observations of a changing world, showing his metamorphosis from a wide-eyed student into a towering public intellectual who confronted and articulated America’s complexities.

About the Author

Ralph Ellison is the author of the novel Invisible Man one of the most important and influential American novels of the twentieth century, as well as numerous essays and short stories. He was born on March 1, 1913, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He died in New York City in 1994.

John F. Callahan is the Odell Professor of Humanities at Lewis & Clark College. He has been the editor or writer of numerous volumes related to African American and twentieth-century literature. As Ralph Ellison’s literary executor, Callahan worked as the primary editor for the posthumously released Ralph Ellison novel Juneteenth.

Marc C. Conner is the Jo M. and James M. Ballengee Professor of English and provost at Washington and Lee University.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Sheafe Street Books is a small bookstore located in historic downtown Portsmouth, NH selling new, used and collectable books. Named "Best Small Book Shop in New England" by Yankee Magazine. The staff has many years of bookselling experience and will assist you in finding specific titles as well as assess your book collection. We will consider selling your books on consignment.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Sheafe Street Books
NH, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Master Charge, Visa and AMEX accepted. We guarantee the condition of every book as it's described on the
Abebooks web sites. If you're dissatisfied with your purchase (Incorrect Book/Not as Described/Damaged)
or if the order hasn't arrived, you're eligible for a refund within 30 days of the estimated delivery date.

Shipping Terms

Orders usually ship within 2 business days. 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. International shipping is usually more than you think it is. I'll contact you with specific charges.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 4.00	US$ 5.50

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.