Original Typed Letter Signed by Dorothy West with a Signed Postcard Photograph of Her
signed
c 1997 · Oak Bluffs, VA
by WEST, DOROTHY
Oak Bluffs, VA: Single page letter, 8 1/2” x 11” and 4 1/4” x 6” postcard, c 1997. Original Typed Letter Signed by the Author Dorothy West with a signed postcard photograph of Ms. West. The letter is a response to an invitation from William Plumley, Ph.D., an English professor from University of Charleston, WV and reads in full: “Dear Mr. Plumley, I would like to apologize for my delay in responding to your letters. I did phone you in June to let you know of my regret that I am unable to attend ‘Blues in America’. Due to my writing schedule and age I no longer travel or lecture. I am deeply honored of your interest in my work. I have enclosed two photographs of myself which I hope will be of interest to your project. Sincerely, Dorothy West.” Only one of the photographs is present and is a black & white postcard of Ms. West in her later years showing her beautiful smiling face. It reads in her hand on the verso: “Best wishes! Dorothy West.” and gives printed details of her literary achievements. Included is the typed envelope. The letter with minor creases from folding, postcard, and envelope are in fine condition. Dorothy West (1907 - 1998) was a novelist and short story writer during the legendary creative time of the Harlem Renaissance. She is best known for her novel The Living Is Easy (1948, reissued in 1982), as well as many other short stories and essays, about the life of an upper-class black family. (Inventory #: 20893E)