Samuel Greenlee papers

Collection

Identifier: D.342

Staff Only

Biographical/Historical note

Samuel Greenlee (1930-2014), novelist, poet, screenwriter, teacher, journalist, and talk show host, was born in Chicago on July 13, 1930. He was educated in Chicago public schools and received his B.S. in political science in 1952 from the University of Wisconsin. He attended law school the following year, but, deciding against a career in law, he transferred to the University of Chicago where he received his M.A. in international relations from 1954 through 1957. He was a foreign services officer with the U.S. Information Agency for the next seven years. In 1958, Greenlee won the Meritorious Service Award for bravery during the Baghdad revolution.

Greenlee's writing typically reflects the African American experience. His first novel, The Spook Who Sat By the Door, was published in 1968, and he co-wrote a screenplay adaption of this novel, which was released in 1974. He spent several years of voluntary exile in Europe and West Africa before moving back to Chicago.

Scope and Contents note

The Samuel Greenlee Papers consists of Greenlee's typescripts, printed material, correspondence, photographs and awards. Biographical material in the collection highlights Greenlee's life and published works. The correspondence featured contains many letters written by Greenlee to his close friend, "Smalley," Mike Cook. In the letters, Greenlee discusses his work and travels in Europe. Ephemera in this collection includes magazines, newspapers, and reviews of Greenlee's work. The photographs in this colleelction show Greenlee as an older man surrounded by friends and family.

Creator

Greenlee, Sam, 1930-2014 (Person)

Dates

Creation: circa 1965-2005

Language of Materials

English

Extent

7 box(es) (4 manuscript boxes, 1 flat box, 2 audio visual materials boxes)

Restrictions on Access

The Samuel Greenlee Papers is open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Restrictions on Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition note

The Samuel Greenlee Papers were purchased through special allocation in 2005.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], Samuel Greenlee Papers, D.342, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester