Jun 12, 1985; New York, NY, USA; JAMES BALDWIN was born in Harlem, NYC in 1924, as the son of a domestic worker. Illegitimate, he never knew his own father. His mother married a factory worker, a hard and cruel man. Baldwin adopted the surname from his stepfather, who died eventually in a mental hospital in 1943. In his childhood Baldwin was a voracious reader. When he was about twelve his first story appeared in a church newspaper. At the age of 17 Baldwin left his home. After graduation from high school, he worked in several ill-paid jobs and started his literary apprenticeship. New York USA - ZUMAk09

Jun 12, 1985; New York, NY, USA; JAMES BALDWIN was born in Harlem, NYC in 1924, as the son of a domestic worker. Illegitimate, he never knew his own father. His mother married a factory worker, a hard and cruel man. Baldwin adopted the surname from his stepfather, who died eventually in a mental hospital in 1943. In his childhood Baldwin was a voracious reader. When he was about twelve his first story appeared in a church newspaper. At the age of 17 Baldwin left his home. After graduation from high school, he worked in several ill-paid jobs and started his literary apprenticeship. New York USA - ZUMAk09