Historical documents. What clues can you gather about Ralph Ellison, the time, place, players, and culture?
Juneteenth
![](https://media1.shmoop.com/media/common/off-site01.gif)
Chapter 1 of Ellison's second novel.
Acceptance Speech
![](https://media1.shmoop.com/media/common/off-site01.gif)
Ellison's acceptance speech at the National Book Awards in 1953.
New York Times Interview
![](https://media1.shmoop.com/media/common/off-site01.gif)
An interview with Ralph Ellison in 1977.
Obituary
![](https://media1.shmoop.com/media/common/off-site01.gif)
Ralph Ellison's 17 April 1994 obituary in The New York Times.
Obituary
![](https://media1.shmoop.com/media/common/off-site01.gif)
Ralph Ellison's 25 April 1994 obituary in Time magazine.
Paris Review Interview
![](https://media1.shmoop.com/media/common/off-site01.gif)
An interview with Ralph Ellison.
Bellow on Ellison
![](https://media1.shmoop.com/media/common/off-site01.gif)
Saul Bellow's 1952 review of Invisible Man.
Ellison on Jazz
![](https://media1.shmoop.com/media/common/off-site01.gif)
An excerpt from Ellison's essay "Homage to Duke Ellington on His Birthday."