I'm going to ask my friend's widow for his writing materials
Does she know how much you value his writing materials?
Yes, she knows I have always admired his writing and this would allow me to be closer to him.
I can understand why you feel this way, but it is rude to feel entitled to someone else's belongings. His wife should be the one to bring it up instead of you asking for it.
You don't understand. I was close with him too. It's not like this is a new idea or that he made it clear that she is the only one to have it.
Even though you may have been friends, that does not mean you are automatically going to be the one to receive his writing materials. Leave it up to his wife to make the decision here rather than interfering or you may end up losing her friendship in addition to losing your friend.