MANSON CHARLES: (1934-2017) American Criminal who led the cult-based Manson Family, responsible for multiple deaths (including the murder of Sharon Tate) and the subject of Quentin Tarantino's film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. A.L.S., Easy, Manson, the signature incorporating a swift doodle representing a swastika, one page, 4to, n.p. (San Quentin State Prison, California), n.d. (18^th September 1986), to Nuel Melton Emmons. Manson enquires as to how his correspondent obtained the address of Dead Grass ('I didn't even know you knew where he was - nore [sic] did I think he even knew you let alone know where you live????') and continues to provide an address for Fringe Productions in Toronto who would like to play the tapes, further writing 'You never let me know much, not that it would make much difference. Did they pay you not to put the book out. I thought you were gone on down the road & each time I think that you surprize me. I am begaining (sic) to think you like me…..I got 11 pictures - the crooks took one…..Red [i.e. Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme, 'Red' being her name within the Manson Family] say she can't git tapes in her last letter…..I sent you the card to see if it matches up with whatever - a big part of what happens to me is in your hands'. Accompanied by the original envelope hand addressed by Manson. VG

 

 

Nuel Melton Emmons (1927-2002) American photojournalist and biographer of Manson. Emmons first met Manson briefly when he was imprisoned for automobile theft in 1956, and again under similar circumstances in 1960. In 1979, he contacted Manson and began extensive interviews and his correspondence with Manson resulted in the book In His Own Words - The Shocking Confessions of the Most Dangerous Man Alive (1986).