Langston Hughes Papers, 1942

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  • Collection ID ARCHIVES 194203
  • Creator Names Hughes, Langston, 1902-1967.
  • Title Papers, 1942
  • Physical description 6 linear feet
  • Collection arrangement The papers are arranged in six series and consist of drafts and galley proofs of Hughes' The Big Sea, as well as a legal contract for production of a play.
  • Access and usage restrictions Available for research in the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Chicago Public Library.
  • Collection summary The papers consist of three successive typescript drafts of Hughes' autobiographical memoir, The Big Sea, as well as galley proofs for this book. Each of the drafts contains extensive revisions and marginalia by Hughes.
  • Biographical or Historical Note The Big Sea, the sole subject of this manuscript collection, is Langston Hughes' memoir of his life from childhood years through his world travels to his participation in the Harlem Renaissance. The first draft of the book was written in Chicago, from April 24 through May 26, 1939, while Hughes was living in the Hotel Grand, at 51st and South Parkway. In 1940, Hughes visited Chicago Public Library's George Clevland Hall Branch Library to speak at Vivian Harsh's "Book Review and Lecture Forum." discussing The Big Sea. It was at this event that Vivian Harsh convinced Hughes to donate the manuscript drafts of The Big Sea to what was then called the "Special Negro Collection" at Hall Branch Library.
  • Finding Aids Note Finding aid available in the Harsh Research Collection, Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, Chicago Public Library and on the library's web site.
  • Acquisition information Donated by Langston Hughes, 1942
  • Names
    • Hughes, Langston, 1902-1967 Archives.
    • Hughes, Langston, 1902-1967. Big sea.
  • Geographic coverage
    • Chicago (Ill.) Intellectual life 20th century.
    • Harlem (New York, N.Y.) Intellectual life 20th century.
  • Subjects African American poets 20th century.
  • Finding aid URL http://www.chipublib.org/fa-langston-hughes-papers/