TLS signed “Alex,” one page both sides, 8.5 x 11, April 14, 1965. Haley writes to Tony Wayman. In part: “I did receive your articles…. Tomorrow morning I’m taking a plane to NYC where I’ll be a couple of weeks in the throes of the early stages of the assembly of the production cast of a Broadway musical I’ve recently written…. If you are ever going to sell your efforts to any consequential magazines, you have much, much work to do…. Right now, the chief impression of them that I remember, memorably as I say, is, particularly in the ‘I Would Never Marry a Nigger’ piece, I think that’s the title, I’d never seen such a classic example of straying, rambling, wandering, away from your theme, which is deadly in writing, with sale intended. Your card asks advice on ‘the possibility of disposing of’ those articles. Tony, the way they’re written—I hope this doesn’t sound too cruel, all of this; it’s just cruel truth—you haven’t a chance of selling these two. Just destroy them. Start anew. Again, I’m only being honest. And one other thing I think…. Do yourself the great favor of stopping using, after your name, the ‘Wordsmith.’ I doubt if there’s an editor of significance alive who wouldn’t start psychologically voting against whatever followed, once he saw that…. I’m up to here in work, for SatEvePost and Playboy chiefly, these days, and the musical coming into being, and a second book due this fall. (I have just finished the 100,000-word ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X,’ as-told-to-me)….” Accompanied by a copy of a typed note of provenance from the original recipient, who, perhaps not surprisingly, did not go on to a brilliant writing career. Mild wrinkling and handling wear, and a subtle hint of toning, otherwise fine condition. Interesting and insightful literary content! RRAuction COA.
