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 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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