February 13th 2025 Auction
Correspondence from Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas (1946-1951)
A collection of four letters authored by Justice William O. Douglas, offering a glimpse into his intellectual network and engagement with global and domestic affairs. Highlights include:
January 7, 1946 ALS: A personal note praising the "Commonwealth address" for its vision and practicality, reflecting Douglas's admiration for thought leadership.
June 3, 1946 TLS: An invitation for an informal gathering in San Francisco, revealing Douglas’s personal connections with media and political figures.
May 27, 1946 Unsigned Letter: A letter expressing appreciation for the San Francisco Chronicle Quarterly, underscoring his engagement with American media and public discourse.
December 21, 1951 TLS: Introduction of Mr. Munir Bey Burscian, a key figure in Libya's independence, showcasing Douglas's involvement in international diplomacy.
This set captures Justice Douglas's unique role as a legal titan with interests spanning from American journalism to international political developments, including Libya’s path to independence. A remarkable insight of mid-20th-century history.
William Douglas (October 16, 1898 – January 19, 1980) was an American jurist who served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1939 to 1975. Douglas was known for his strong progressive and civil libertarian views and is often cited as the U.S. Supreme Court's most liberal justice ever. Nominated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, Douglas was confirmed at the age of 40, becoming one of the youngest justices appointed to the court. In 1975, Time called Douglas "the most doctrinaire and committed civil libertarian ever to sit on the court." He is the longest-serving justice in history, having served for 36 years and 209 days.
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