Site Loader
Rock Street, San Francisco
  • Current Language:
  • fr
  • Select Language:

Consulter la cote et le prix de Langston Hughes Discussing Major Work, Black Nativity, And Upcoming Trip To Africa, His Correspondent Was A Neo-Fascist Investigated By Mccarthy, Too!, 1961.0



Description : Langston Hughes Discussing Major Work, Black Nativity, and Upcoming Trip to Africa, His Correspondent was a Neo-Fascist Investigated by McCarthy, Too! A typed postcard signed by Langston Hughes (1901-1967), celebrated jazz poet of the Harlem Renaissance, as Langston Hughes in blue-green felt-tip pen at lower right. Bearing Hughes's Harlem address at left and with a preprinted 3 cent postage stamp. Dated December 13, 1961. Cancelled and postmarked. Near fine. 5.5 x 3.25. Hughes addressed this note to H. Keith Thompson (1922-2002), who had given him some poetry recommendations. Hughes wrote: I've been so snowed under…that I've had no chance to really read the Strutz poems you sent me. With a play in rehearsal the past three weeks (taking SO much time) --- BLACK NATIVITY now at the 41st Street Theatre --- I've gotten terribly behind…When I get back from Africa I'll given the poetry some attention… Hughes and his correspondent Thompson were strange bedfellows. Both men were investigated by Senator Joseph McCarthy's House Committee on Un-American Activities for objectionable political beliefs, Hughes, for Communist sympathies, and Thompson, for affiliation with known Neo-Fascist organizations. It appears, then, that Hughes and Thompson, although politically and ideologically opposed, shared poetry as a common interest. An unlikely friendship: that of a black, homosexual man with leftist leanings (Hughes) and a former Nazi Special Agent and eugenicist (Thompson)! Hughes was indeed balancing many commitments in late 1961. Just days before jet setting off to Nigeria to attend the Lagos Art Festival, his off-Broadway play Black Nativity opened at the 41st Street Theatre on December 11th. The play depicted the classic biblical story with an all-black cast and adapted traditional Christmas carols into gospel music. A New York Times critic lauded the gospel music and singers' ability, but panned the play's script, plot, and choreography, writing: Mr. Hughes has provided a slim narration…It is merely an excuse to cue in the gospel singers…It is not always art--and the occasional organ sounds are embarrassingly cloying--but is overflowing in fervor (Howard Taubman, New York Times, Theatre: 'Black Nativity', December 12, 1961). H. Keith Thompson, a self-described journalist, public relations consultant, and American Fascist, attracted the attention of the federal government in the early 1950s. His strident praise of Hitler and the Third Reich coincided with his affiliation with the National Renaissance Party, an American Neo-Fascist group active between 1949-1981. Thompson decried the Nuremberg Trials as vicious and vilely dishonorable and tried to get Nazi war criminals exonerated. Langston Hughes was a versatile writer, equally comfortable with poetry, short stories, plays, non-fiction, and journalism. One of the cultural and literary icons of the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes was also active in the Civil Rights Movement. This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses. WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Prix: 375.00 USD 🔓Accès libre sans carte bancaire.
Estimations(basse-haute) : 400 USD-500 USD 🔓Accès libre sans carte bancaire.

À propos du lot n° 97
Titre : Langston Hughes Discussing Major Work, Black Nativity, And Upcoming Trip To Africa, His Correspondent Was A Neo-Fascist Investigated By Mccarthy, Too!, PÉRIODE : 1961.0
University Archives, Salle de vente , Wilton, US 🔓Accès libre sans carte bancaire.
Titre de la vente : Rare Books, Manuscripts & Relics Including Forbes & Kerouac
Date de la vente : 24/06/2020 🔓Accès libre sans carte bancaire.
Référence de l'enchère : Live Sale

Vous êtes intéressé pour expertiser votre objet? 

AfricartMarket Insights

 Accédez à des informations exclusives. Pour recevoir les conseils et actualités rédigés par nos experts et les promotions laissez votre e-mail ici !

Nous respectons votre vie privée. Pas de spam.