Today in History: James Baldwin

Today in History–August 2–the Library of Congress features novelist, essayist, and playwright James Baldwin, born on this day in 1924. Influenced by a teacher—poet and Harlem Renaissance leader Countee Cullen—Baldwin went on to earn his own place in literary history. Find out more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access some of the Library’s top literary treasures.

Novelist, Essayist, and Playwright James Baldwin Was Born from America’s Library

James Baldwin image set

James Baldwin historical newspaper coverage

James Baldwin National Press Club speech December 10, 1986

James Baldwin reading from his works“ audio recording

“For James Baldwin” video commentary about poem by Kay Boyle

Video clip of James Baldwin in a conversation with young people 1963

James Baldwin, The Art of Fiction No. 78 interview The Paris Review Issue 91, Spring 1984

This Day in History: James Baldwin Library of Congress Blog August 2, 2017

Reflecting on James Baldwin and His Celebration of Youth Minerva’s Kaleidoscope blog July 31, 2020

James Baldwin biography Poetry Foundation

James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket About the Author PBS: American Masters

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