Offered here is a collection of Alex Haley’s personal papers, notes, and awards that pertain to his prestigious career in journalism. These items have been in the Haley family since his death and have never before been offered to the public.

1. A Reader’s Digest pamphlet of “The Man on The Train” with a note by Haley.

2. Handwritten and typed notes from an interview with Quincy Jones, Nat Henton, John Levy, and others.

3. A typed script and printed notes for “President Ritzy” by Alex Haley.

4. A typed draft on Fred Montgomery for The McArthur Foundation.

5. Ellis Island Medal of Honor posthumously presented to Alex Haley.

6. FBI Award for Contribution to The Black History Awareness Program, presented to Haley

Alex Haley taught himself the craft of writing whilst serving in the United States Coast Guard in The Pacific Theater during World War II. During this time he developed writing stories, and eventually his writing became so evocative that he even ghost wrote love letters for his compatriots and their sweethearts back home.

Once the war was over, Haley petitioned The Coast Guard for a transfer into journalism, where he quickly progressed to chief petty officer in the rating of journalism — a new ranking that was created for him in recognition of his great writing abilities.

Following his retirement from The Coast Guard in 1959, Haley went on to edit and write for a litany of magazines and newspapers, however his interviews for Playboy Magazine proved to be the most legendary. Haley’s interviews with Miles Davis, Muhammad Ali, Sammy Davis Jr., and Quincy Jones, were groundbreaking due to the journalist’s ability to tap into a never before seen (or read) frankness and honesty with his subjects. His interview with Martin Luther King Jr. was the longest interview the reverend ever granted a publication.

These momentous pieces of journalism paved the way for his co-authoring of The Autobiography of Malcolm X in 1965, which sold over 6 million copies by 1977 and was ranked by Time Magazine as one of the top 10 most influential nonfiction books of the 20th century.

Haley then went on to write Roots: The Saga of an American Family in 1976 following many years researching his lineage. The impact of Roots on the American zeitgeist was enormous, eventually being published in over 37 languages, was developed into a hit miniseries, and won Haley a special Pulitzer Prize, forever cementing him as one of the greatest American writers and journalists of all time.

Further details on the items offered:

1. A foldout Reader’s Digest pamphlet of “The Man on The Train” by Haley. On the cover is a handwritten note by Haley in black marker, stating “Be ready love!” Below the note is Haley’s signature in black ink. The pamphlet measures 7.5” x 5” closed.

2. Four pages of handwritten notes by Haley in blue ink, on an interview with Quincy Jones, Nat Hentoff, John Levy, and others. Includes a typed page entitled “Lead for Nat” and an envelope from Hentoff to Haley, alongside a clipping of an article written by Hentoff.

3. A ten page typed script with three pages of printed notes for a film entitled “President Ritzy” by Alex Haley.

4. A four page typed draft entitled “Fred Montgomery” for The McArthur Foundation, written by Haley.

5. A gold Ellis Island Medal of Honor posthumously presented to Alex Haley. The medal is round and features the Statue of Liberty in front of the New York City skyline. Engraved it states “Ellis Island Medal of Honor” and on verso “Presented to Alex Haley (Posthumously) is engraved. The award measures 2.5” in diameter.

6. An FBI Award for Contribution to The Black History Awareness Program, presented to Haley. This wooden plaque contains a gold FBI badge and a metal engraving that states, “Presented to Alex Haley, Our deepest appreciation for your contribution to The FBI’s Black History Awareness Program.” It is dated February 20, 1991, with the engraved signature of William S. Sessions, The Director. The award measures 1.5" x 6.5” x 5” at its base.

This is an online only sale. Items may be viewed upon appointment in New York City.

Notice to bidders: More detailed condition reports and additional photographs are available by request. The absence of a condition report does not imply that the lot is in excellent condition. Please message us through the online bidding platform or call Guernsey's at 212-794-2280 to request a more thorough condition report.