Neil Leifer created a powerful photographic series focused on inmate life in several of America's most prominent prisons. The 1982 series was produced for Time magazine. In preparing for this unusual assignment, Leifer reached out to the infamous Charles Manson, imprisoned in Vacaville, CA.

For the first two and half pages of his response, Manson accuses Leifer of imagining that his (Manson's) setting and lifestyle is more glamorous than what he truly encounters is his 8 x 5ft. lockup. It goes on to speak of the "truth" of what has transpired in Manson's life. All of the above is neatly written in pencil. Charles Manson's signature appears in the middle of the third page in a handwritten style far more chaotic than the handwriting above it. Following Manson's signature is additional language referring to how "the D.A. made millions" and what he (Manson) will do when he gets out of prison.

These postscript comments are written in a style that matches Manson's signature, strongly suggesting that the initial portion of the letter was dictated to and neatly written by a fellow inmate, while Manson wrote the concluding sentences.

Three sheets of yellow lined paper, 8.5 x 14in. plus envelope.

Please note the terms being used to describe photographic prints:

Vintage print: Printed no more than 3-5 years after the negative was made.
Older print: Also referred to by collectors as "printed later." Refers to a print that was made more than 3-5 years after the original negative was made, but not within the 21st century.
Modern print: Refers to a print made in the 21st century from an earlier, 20th century negative.