Found 6 books(s). Showing results 1 thru 6.
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Shakespeare in Harlem

SHAKESPEARE IN HARLEM, INSCRIBED BY LANGSTON HUGHES

HUGHES, Langston. Shakespeare in Harlem. New York, 1942.

First edition of Hughes' major book of poetry—"a work of genuine talent and artistry"—inscribed at length by him in the year of publication, "Dear Noël—Much of this book, you know, was written at Hollow Hills. But the poems are of much less pleasant places. Happiness to you always! Langston. New York, February 6, 1942." $7500.

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First Book of Negroes

VERY SCARCE FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINTING OF LANGSTON HUGHES' THE FIRST BOOK OF NEGROES, 1952

HUGHES, Langston. First Book of Negroes. New York, 1952.

First edition of Hughes' inaugural book in his major five-volume series on Black history from the 16th century to Jim Crow America, the highly elusive first printing issued at the height of McCarthyism with Josephine Baker's image and biography that was quickly omitted from subsequent printings, inscribed by him on the front free endpaper in the year of publication, "For Nancy—Sincerely, Langston October 10, 1952." $5500.

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Ask Your Mama

"THEY ASKED ME… IF MY BLACKNESS, WOULD IT RUB OFF? I SAID, ASK YOUR MAMA"

HUGHES, Langston. Ask Your Mama. New York, 1961.

First edition of Hughes' epic poem, hailed as a "milestone" in its celebration of African American blues, jazz and the tradition of the "dozens," together with a mimeographed typescript (presumably for performance) with occasional variations in musical cues from the book. $3800.

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Book of Negro Folklore

INSCRIBED AND SIGNED BY EDITOR ARNA BONTEMPS

HUGHES, Langston and BONTEMPS, Arna, editors. The Book of Negro Folklore. New York, 1959.

Second printing of this collection of African American folklore, presentation copy inscribed by editor Arna Bontemps, who authored the Introduction, on the front free endpaper: "For Elise Hope, Arna Bontemps, 8-8-61." $1100.

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New Song

"I SPEAK IN THE NAME OF BLACK MILLIONS"

HUGHES, Langston. New Song. New York, 1938.

First edition of Hughes' powerful 1938 collection of long-suppressed poems, featuring 17 poems together in print for the first time, including demands for justice for the Scottsboro Boys and Angelo Herndon, most virtually banned from his body of work until inclusion in Collected Poems (1994), in original wrappers. $750.

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