A Video of Baldwin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7Of0Abi10A

An Interview With Baldwin's Editor

Kenan, Randall. "James Baldwin, 'Lifting the Veil.'" Interview by Linda Wertheimer and Steve 

     Inskeep. American Lives. National Public Radio. 19 Aug. 2010. National Public Radio. Web. 
     16 Dec. 2012. 

This interview with one of Baldwin’s editors, Randall Kenan, gives an idea of what life was like for 

Baldwin being Black and gay, and how this affected his activist life, his writing, and the public perception 

of him. It discusses Baldwin’s bravery in writing seriously about homosexuality, and managing to separate

 that from Blackness. Kenan feels like a reliable source, considering his proximity to Baldwin, and the 

entire interview makes Baldwin more accessible, and more real. 

Morrison on Baldwin

Morrison, Allan. "The Angriest Young Man." Ebony Oct. 1961: 23+. Google Books. Web. 

16 Dec. 2012.

Morrison discusses Baldwin’s anger as well, though this piece is seemingly more similar to a bio piece in any popular magazine today. The reverence and appreciation present make Morrison unreliable but an interesting read on Baldwin. The complete descriptions of Baldwin’s effects on society, and his success in the literary world, give the reader a picturesque idea of what his life, and his writing, was like.

Golden on Baldwin's Letter

Golden, Harry. "A Comment on James Baldwin's Letter." Crisis Mar. 1963: 145-46. Google Books. 

Web. 16 Dec. 2012. 

Golden discusses the absolute importance of Baldwin’s letter in the New Yorker, and as well as a few others, clearly sees his anger towards the white man. Golden moves on to discuss what he believes are Baldwin’s ulterior motives, maybe even subconscious ones, in his Letter. This piece seems to be completely based on opinion and therefore seems unreliable as a source beyond using it as just opinion piece, but again, it is interesting to see Baldwin’s influence in historical context. 

Yardley on Baldwin

Yardley, Jonathan. "James Baldwin Strikes a Spark." Washington Post 16 Feb. 2004: C01. 
Web. 16 Dec. 2012. <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A44777-2004Feb15.html>. 

Yardley begins by discussing Baldwin’s attitude post-fame, which changed him from a smart, sensitive

man to an egotistical author. Mostly discusses Notes on a Native Son and the fire of hatred Baldwin 

presented in it, especially towards white Americans. Yardley’s essay reaffirms the importance of 

Baldwin’s early work, and reminds the public of his early skill as well as his later skill.Yardley seems to 

be reliable on the importance of Baldwin, and helps form the full picture of his trajectory into fame and 

beyond.

Dupee on Baldwin

Dupee, F. W. "James Baldwin and the 'Man.'" New York Review of Books 1 Feb.  

     1963: n. pag. Web. 16 Dec. 2012.
     <http://www.nybooks.com/articles/archives/1963/feb/01/james-baldwin-and-the-
      man/?pagination=false>.

Dupee’s letter, or essay, on James Baldwin is scathingly critical. It deconstructs his essays on the Black man, offering up holes in his arguments and critiquing his use of rhetoric. It begins with compliments on Baldwin’s bravery in being extremist, and his elegant writing, but as it continues, the essay becomes more and more a critique of Baldwin’s rhetorical techniques. Dupee seems to be an educated and reliable narrator and gives an interesting picture of Baldwin’s writing style.