Autograph Letter Signed "Jake" to Selden Rodman

2 quarto sheets, writing on rectos only. 8-1/2 x 11 inches. ALS, from Jacob Lawrence, to noted author and art critic Selden Rodman. It states (in part): "Dear Selden; This is a reply to your letter of September 7th, 1993, in which is requested biographical data for a book that you are working on 'Geniuses and other Ecentrics [sic]'. Please find enclosed a statement from the Rutgers University Two-Hundred Twenty-Second Anniversary Commencement. I am complimented that you wish to include me in your study. Along with others, I thank you for your overall contributions and interest to the arts. [Gwen and I] send our love and wish you continued success- Sincerely, [signed] Jake." Lawrence has also signed his full name at the heading of the letter, also providing his Seattle address. Rodman interviewed Lawrence for his 1957 book Conversations with Artists and they remained friends for the rest of their lives. The book Geniuses & Other Eccentrics: Photographing My Friends was published in 1997 and does feature Lawrence. Jacob Lawrence is one of the most influential African-American artists of the 20th Century. Selden Rodman is the author of a number of books (including poetry, fiction, and art), biographies of Horace Pippin and Ben Shahn, and studies of Haitian art. The letter is lightly creased twice (where folded for mailing), else near fine 2 quarto sheets, writing on rectos only. 8-1/2 x 11 inches.…