Ann Petry papers, 1920-2012

ArchivalResource

Ann Petry papers, 1920-2012

1920-2012

https://archives.nypl.org/scm/24832

<p>The Ann Petry papers document the professional, social, and family life of writer Ann Petry (1908-1997). With the publication of her 1946 debut novel titled, The Street, Petry became the first US black woman author to sell over a million copies. The collection consists of personal and professional correspondence, manuscripts, clippings and printed matter, and personal memorabilia.</p> <p>Ultimately, the success of The Street made Petry a much sought-after but reluctant interview subject and speaker, who would inevitably, if futilely, strive for a secluded writing life in Connecticut. In 1948, after becoming an established writer, Petry and her husband moved back to Old Saybrook. Petry gave birth to her only child, Elisabeth (Liz) Ann Petry, on January 28, 1949. As a departure from her novels, Petry's first foray into the world of children's books also occurred in 1949 with the publication of Drugstore Cat. Petry's subsequent publications include her third novel, The Narrows, published in 1953; Harriet Tubman: Conductor of the Underground Railroad, published in 1955; Tituba of Salem Village, published in 1964; Legends of the Saints, in 1970; and a book of short stories titled Miss Muriel and Other Stories, published in 1971.</p>

19.12 linear feet (39 boxes, 5 oversize folders)

eng, Latn

New York Public Library. Manuscripts and Archives Division