BUGLIOSI, VINCENT. (1934-2015). American prosecutor and author best known for prosecuting Charles Manson and his accomplices for the Tate-LaBianca murders, recounted in his bestselling true crime book Helter Skelter. A small archive consisting of 4 ALSs, 1 SP and an inscribed and signed copy of his book The Betrayal of America: How the Supreme Court Undermined the Constitution and Chose Our President. (Signed as “Vince,” “Vince Bugliosi” and “Vincent Bugliosi”). To Anita Barone, whom he describes as his “number one fan.”
ALS. (“Vince”). 1p. 4to. (Los Angeles), March 28, 2001. Describing his brother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, photos of Barone’s cat named “Vince” in his honor, politics, and his books. “…I’ve taken a few of the essays and put them into a book, The Prosecution of George Bush for Murder which is coming out in May. I’m also working on a campaign documentary for the big screen as an adaptation of the book. I have no schedule of where I’ll be appearing. I’m happy that you’re enjoying Reclaiming History and am always pleased when I hear that you and any of your friends are enjoying the CD, a labor of love for me…”
ALS. (“Vince Bugliosi”). 1p. 4to. (Los Angeles), August 15, 2003. Discussing his health. “…I’m still working hard to get my Kennedy book out, and additionally I’m helping a scriptwriter write a new script for Helter Skelter, which CBS is bringing to TV again this coming February…”
ALS. (“Vince”). 1p. 4to. N.p. (Los Angeles), May 25, 2004. “…I’m glad you enjoyed the movie, no, I had nothing to say about who played me, and I’m very happy you’re working hard to get rid of Katherine Harris and that you will enjoy the Latin compilation album I put out. I’m still working seven days a week trying to finish my Kennedy assassination book this year, for release next year…”
ALS. (“Your Lifetime Friend Vince Bugliosi”). 1p. 4to. (Los Angeles), December 8, 2014. Written in pencil on yellow legal paper. Apologizing for not answering sooner, sending condolences on the death of Barone’s cat, Vince, and discussing in detail his health problems and inability to continue answering correspondence and phone calls. “…I won’t be answering any more of your letters. If you were the only one writing me, it would be different, but I get hundreds of letters, not just from the United States but from around the world. I’m still recovering from my near-death experience in 2012 that required 7 months of hospitalization and 3 months of rehab. Physically I’m a much limited person and I don’t know if I’ll ever get better. If you prop me up in front of a TV camera, I apparently look okay, but the reality is that every day I only do what I have to do and then I go to bed, around 16-18 hours a day. Answering hundreds of letters is very fatiguing to me. I just don’t have the energy anymore… I don’t have to tell you that things change in life… Anita, if I ever had a number one fan (hundreds of people have claimed to be through the years), it would probably be you. I’ll never forget all the tremendous support you have selflessly given me down through the years and hope you and your husband have a wonderful life in all the following years…”
