Arthur Ashe’s personal spiral address book, 8.5 x 11, containing over 120 pages filled out in his own hand with the names and numbers of a huge assortment of personal contacts, as well as with various memos and reminders, dated between May 1987 and April 1990, with many pages annotated on the front and back. Among the highlighted passages and sections, Ashe records the address for the NAACP, notes “World Tennis Magazine” and “Life Magazine,” and in two places, once in ink and again in pencil, he reminds himself: “Wimbledon article 2,000 words on the 70’s.” On one page he lists the names of other athletic legends like Julius Erving, Earl Monroe, Reggie Jackson, Walter Payton, Ahmad Rashad, Sugar Ray Leonard, and Willie Davis, before writing the following: “Aside from the fact that I have coronary artery disease, heart-related problems are still our nation’s #1 cause of death. I have become involved with the AHA because many of the related problems are preventable.” In addition to current events, Ashe, who was believed to have contracted HIV from a blood transfusion he received during heart bypass surgery in the early 1980s, lists updates and timelines on his blood and health throughout the book, with one December 1988 reading: “Jeanne mentions depression…Max Robinson dies of AIDS…going to get blood tested…blood numbers look good again…Pope says ‘Science & love’ can conquer AIDS…science have infected mice with AIDS, allowing study in an animal.” Another instance, July and August 1989: “Researchers discovered the HIV virus can stay hidden & not show up for 3 years…My numbers dipped below the safe range…my numbers are back up but I’m beginning to feel permanently & slightly sluggish.” Additionally, Ashe transcribes Biblical verses, references other tennis players, and notes his “anti-Apartheid” friends and contacts. In fine condition, with expected light handling wear. From the estate of Arthur Ashe.
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