Collection of six handwritten manuscript letters from the renowned African American theologian, philosopher, and civil rights leader Howard Thurman, 1973-1980, describing work on his autobiography, his efforts to organize the recordings of decades of his lectures and sermons, and his reflections on aging and his mortality.
Five single-sided letters and one double-sided, all written in Thurman's hand on Howard Thurman Educational Trust letterhead. Typically signed H, Howard, H&S, or Howard and Sue, on behalf of Thurman's wife, Sue Bailey Thurman, and addressed to recipients George and Lillian. Letters are dated February 3, 1973; June 15, 1973; May 23, 1974; May 28, 1975; March 16, 1979; March 27, 1980.
Like Thurman's published work, the tone of the letters is friendly and warm, as well as thoughtful and literary. In his letter of May 28, 1975, Thurman writes in part:
"For the first time in my life I have had a real struggle with my health. At last I am learning to accept the fact that my body is after all a body + not a machine altogether. Without feeling that I am disintegrating + I am taking a rest each afternoon for a little while without feeling that I am an old man or an invalid. It is a wonderful freedom! Sue + I have just come from Florida - my hometown where Mrs. Bethune's college is located."
In the letter of March 16, 1979, Thurman writes:
"I wonder if you can imagine the quality of the personal assurance that comes to my spirit and my heart that your participation gives. As the years accumulate I am more and more mindful of the companions of Heart upon which one draws with increasing urgency in many little and big ways. At last I am near the end of my autobiography - one more major chapter to be finished - then all that is left is the Intro + the Prologue that I shall have to squeeze out of the deeper regions of my spirit."
While a prolific author, and known to frequently inscribe his books, original manuscript material and correspondence by Thurman is remarkably scarce.
