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Ralph Ellison Primary Sources

Historical documents. What clues can you gather about Ralph Ellison, the time, place, players, and culture?

Juneteenth

Chapter 1 of Ellison's second novel.

Acceptance Speech

Ellison's acceptance speech at the National Book Awards in 1953.

New York Times Interview

An interview with Ralph Ellison in 1977.

Obituary

Ralph Ellison's 17 April 1994 obituary in The New York Times.

Obituary

Ralph Ellison's 25 April 1994 obituary in Time magazine.

Paris Review Interview

An interview with Ralph Ellison.

Bellow on Ellison

Saul Bellow's 1952 review of Invisible Man.

Ellison on Jazz

An excerpt from Ellison's essay "Homage to Duke Ellington on His Birthday."