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The Ray Roberts Collection of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis contains letters, notes,
memos, clippings, and memorabilia dating from 1963 to 2001. The bulk of the
collection consists of correspondence from Onassis, dating from 1978 to 1992.
Roberts aqcuired the first of the materials while working with Onassis at Doubleday
& Co. The collection is arranged as Correspondence (2 folders), Clippings (3
folders), and Memorabilia (1 folder). |
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Onassis began her publishing career at Viking in 1975 and became an associate editor
at Doubleday in early 1978. There are 50 letters from Onassis to Roberts, more
than
half of which were sent between 1978 and 1980 while Onassis and Roberts were
colleagues. Most of her letters are a page long, written on Doubleday memo paper
or
half-leaves of Doubleday letterhead. |
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The letters are usually handwritten, signed familiarly "Jackie xo" or with a similar closing. During her time at Doubleday,
Onassis worked closely with Roberts. Her letters are enthusiastic, friendly and
playful. |
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Most of Onassis's letters are witty and brief, addressing editorial matters or
providing background on an enclosed letter or document. She and Roberts exchanged
ideas and information frequently and effectively. Onassis often forwarded letters
she received or copies of letters she wrote to Roberts with a memo, asking his
opinion, making suggestions or pointing out a detail in the letter. |
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In the latter part of 1980, Roberts left Doubleday for Little, Brown in Boston.
Though their professional relationship had ended, Onassis and Roberts continued
to
correspond about books and planned lunch dates. |
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In one letter, Onassis thanks Roberts: "You are so adorably
generous and I am so grateful. The glories of my library are all presents from
you." (October 30, 1982). |
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A year later, she writes, "It's Autumn in New York and you
are Santa Claus—I can't believe the marvelous pile of books you sent me—Julia, Coastal New England, Balthus, Karsh—they
are all treasures." (October 15, 1983). |
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Still grateful for Roberts's generosity years later, she wrote in December 1990:
"I cant BELIEVE it—Little Brown will fire you if you
keep giving me these treasures." |
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The collection also contains original and photocopied letters to and from other
correspondents including Cornell Capa, Deborah Turbeville, and Diana Vreeland.
Also
present are a printed invitation to a cocktail party following the 1978 premiere
of
The Big Picture; ephemera from a ballet and opera
performance Roberts attended with Onassis; a copy of the exhibition catalog A Frenchman in Camelot, The Decoration of the Kennedy White
House by Stephane Boudin; and photocopies of Onassis letters, news
clippings, and excerpts from periodicals about Onassis and her family. |
