A small lot related to controversial FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover (1895-1972), including a typed letter signed, a photograph, and an engraved nameplate.

The lot consists of:

1. A 1p typed letter signed by Hoover as "J. Edgar Hoover" near the center, above Hoover's additional signature IN PRINT as "John Edgar Hoover / Director." Written in Washington, D.C. on July 12, 1957 on a single leaf of stationery with "United States Department of Justice / Federal Bureau of Investigation" letterhead. Expected wear including light toning and transmittal folds, else near fine.8" x 10.5."

FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover declined an offer to become involved in the "proposed television series, 'Success'…I regret that it will not be possible for me to participate in any such venture at this time…"

Since Hoover was not one to turn down any opportunity either to promote himself or the criminal justice agency that he helped create, he must indeed have been busy. And he was in mid-1957, still setting up the infrastructure for the FBI's COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence) program, which operated between its inception in August 1956 and its termination in April 1971. Through COINTELPRO, the FBI relied on unethical and illegal investigatory practices to monitor participants of the Civil Rights, Peace, and Black Power Movements.

There is no forthcoming information related to a television series called "Success," nor an Artist Manager named Glenn E. Shaw, but the address can be found in the glamorous Sunset strip section of Los Angeles.

2. A modern reprint photograph in black and white half-tones, showing Hoover in front of an ABC radio microphone. Printed on glossy Kodak paper and measuring 6.75" x 8.75."

3. A metal plate engraved with Hoover's life and death dates, and professional title, mounted on a mat measuring 7" x 8.75."

Hoover served as Director of the Bureau of Investigation (the FBI's predecessor) from 1924-1935, and as Director of the FBI from its inception until his death in 1972. While Hoover took many liberties with the information he collected, critics agree that he also built up, enlarged, modernized, and legitimized the agency.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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