53 61KING Jr., Martin Luther. Strength to Love. New York, Evanston, and London, 1963. Octavo, original half black cloth, dust jacket, custom box. $19,000 Presentation/Association First Edition Of Strength To Love, Warmly Inscribed By Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To Renowned African American Singer McHenry Boatwright First edition of an especially memorable presentation/ association copy, inscribed by Dr. King to a famous operatic singer and former classmate of Coretta Scott King’s: “To McHenry Boatwright, whose beautiful voice has satisfied the musical thirst of thousands. Martin Luther King Jr.” Strength to Love was Dr. King’s first volume of sermons, published the same year in which he penned his “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” joined the historic March on Washington and delivered his famous “I have a dream” speech. The following year he won the Nobel Peace Prize. The recipient of this rare presentation/ association copy is McHenry Boatwright. A renowned African-American bass-baritone, he was famed for his opera and classical performances, such as Porgy and Bess, and for his moving renditions of religious music and spirituals. He also sang for several U.S. presidents at the White House. Throughout his life, Boatwright was frequently recognized for his contributions both to music and to the advancement of African-Americans. Boatwright was, as well, one of Coretta Scott King’s classmates at the New England Conservatory in Boston during the 1950s. Interior very fresh with lightest edgewear, faint toning to near-fine book; dust jacket bright and fine. A most desirable presentation copy with a wonderful association.
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