Ralph Ellison Primary Sources

Historical documents.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

Chapter 1 of Ellison's second novel.

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

An interview with Ralph Ellison in 1977.

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

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

An interview with Ralph Ellison.

Saul Bellow's 1952 review of Invisible Man.

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