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Click here to subscribeGreene (Graham) A Sense of Reality, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Islay de Courcy Lyons to endpaper, small patch of browning to endpaper, original cloth, dust-jacket, spine ends and corners a little chipped, some light marking to lower panel, an excellent example overall, 8vo, Bodley Head, 1963.⁂ Inscribed to a good friend and fellow Capri resident (for Islay de Courcy Lyons, see also lots 136, 190, 197, 201, 204 and 205.).
Greene (Graham) The Revenge. An Autobiographical Fragment, first edition, one of 300 copies, signed presentation inscription from the author to Islay de Courcy Lyons to endpaper, partly unopnened, original stiff wrappers, near-fine, 8vo, Stellar Press, 1963.⁂ Inscribed to a good friend and fellow Capri resident (for Islay de Courcy Lyons, see also lots 136, 190, 196, 201, 204 and 205.).
Greene (Graham) The Comedians, first edition, the author's personal file copy, signed on title and with letter of provenance loosely inserted, original cloth, very slight fading to spine, dust-jacket, faint browning to spine, else fine, 8vo, Bodley Head, 1966.⁂ Greene's own copy of his tenth novel.
Greene (Graham) Travels with my Aunt, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Marcelle Sibon to title, original cloth, dust-jacket, light browning to spine, spine ends and corners a little chipped, a few very short tears to foot of rear panel, light creasing to head and foot, light surface soiling, 8vo, Bodley Head, 1969.⁂ Marcelle Sibon was Greene's chief French translator from the late 1940s until his death. See also lots 195, 200 and 203.
Baldwin (James) Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "For Leonard Lyons with much affection and respect" to dedication p., original cloth, dust-jacket, light browning to spine and upper panel, light rubbing and minor creasing to head and foot, some chipping to head of rear flap but an excellent example overall, New York, Dial Press, 1968; and an unsigned copy of the same, 8vo (2)⁂ Leonard Lyons (1906-76), American newspaper columnist. His column, Lyon's Den, was published six days a week and covered theatre, movies, politics and art.
Greene (Graham) A Sort of Life, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Marcelle Sibon to endpaper, French newspaper article loosely inserted, original cloth, dust-jacket, light toning to spine, small chip to head of lower joint, light creasing to head, an crisp and excellent example, 8vo, Bodley Head, 1971.⁂ Marcelle Sibon was Greene's chief French translator from the late 1940s until his death. See also lots 195, 199 and 203.
Greene (Graham) The Virtue of Disloyalty, first edition, one of 300 copies, signed presentation inscription from the author to Islay de Courcy Lyons to endpaper, faint foxing to title, original wrappers, light toning to spine and lower cover, some light surface soiling, otherwise excellent, 8vo, Bodley Head, 1972.⁂ Inscribed to a good friend and fellow Capri resident (for Islay de Courcy Lyons, see also lots 136, 190, 196, 197, 204 and 205.).
Greene (Graham) The Pleasure-Dome. The Collected Film Criticism 1935-40, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "For Margaret Dalgleish this nostalgic book - at least the introduction may amuse you" to title, photographic illustrations, a few light spots to endpapers, original cloth, dust-jacket, light sunning to spine, light rubbing and creasing to head and foot, Secker & Warburg, 1972; and the signed limited edition of Doctor Fischer, 8vo (2)
Greene (Graham) The Honorary Consul, first edition, first issue with the pictorial trademark to title, signed presentation inscription from the author to Marcelle Sibon to endpaper, some pulling to gatherings, last few ff. with small patch of staining to fore-edge, original cloth, corners a little bumped, dust-jacket, very light toning to spine, minor chipping to spine ends and corners, creasing to head and foot, 8vo, Bodley Head, 1973.⁂ Marcelle Sibon was Greene's chief French translator from the late 1940s until his death. See also lots 195, 199 and 200.
Greene (Graham) A Wedding Among the Owls. An Extract from The Human Factor, first edition, one of 250 copies, signed presentation inscription from the author to Islay de Courcy Lyons to half-title, original stiff wrappers, light fading to spine, else fine, 8vo, Bodley Head, 1977.⁂ Inscribed to a good friend and fellow Capri resident (for Islay de Courcy Lyons, see also lots 136, 190, 196, 197, 201 and 205.).
Greene (Graham) Ways of Escape, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Islay de Courcy Lyons to endpaper, foxing to front endpaper, original cloth, dust-jacket, light fading, light creasing to head and foot, otherwise excellent, 8vo, Bodley Head, 1980.⁂ Inscribed to a good friend and fellow Capri resident (for Islay de Courcy Lyons, see also lots 136, 190, 196, 197, 201 and 204).
Greene (Graham) Getting to Know the General. The Story of an Involvement, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "Margaret & Hudson with love from Graham. Sep. 8 1940." to endpaper, original boards, dust-jacket, near-fine, 8vo, Bodley Head, 1984.⁂ Inscribed to the Hudson-Smiths. Greene first knew "Hudson" in the intelligence services, the two later became neighbours in Antibes. In a letter to Malcolm Muggeridge written in the 1980s, Greene referred to Hudson as "A nice chap who collects books on flagellation."
Hahn (Reynaldo) Thèmes Variés, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Arnault Tzanck to half-title, 7 A.L.s. and 1 A.C.s. from the author to Tzanck totalling 18pp. loosely inserted, browning to text, original wrappers, chipped and browned, tape repairs to joints and spine, Paris, Janin, [1946]; and 4 others, 1 work inscribed by Hahn and 3 inscribed to him, 8vo (5)⁂ Arnold Tzanck (1886-1954) French physician and pioneer of blood transfusion.
Hall (Radclyffe) The Well of Loneliness, 2 vol., the "Victory Edition", number 72 of 225 copies signed by the author and printed on handmade paper, light finger-soiling to vol.1 half-title, original boards, gilt, t.e.g., others uncut, spines very lightly rubbed, still overall a bright set, lacking original slip-case, 4to, New York, Covici-Friede, 1929.⁂ This edition, published nine months after the first edition, was to celebrate the successful defence of the work against obscenity charges in New York's appellate court. The work provides an open treatment of lesbianism at a time when "homosexuality could not be discussed in English books or in the English press" (de Grazia). The suppression of the novel was opposed to by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, E. M. Forster, and Virginia Woolf, amongst others. It remained contraband in England until 1959.
Hardy (Thomas) Human Shows. Far Fantasies. Songs, and Trifles, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to half-title, scattered spotting to endpapers and edges, original cloth, light fading to foot of spine, chip to foot of upper cover, dust-jacket, light browning to spine, spine ends and corners a little chipped, chipping to foot of both panels, splash marks to upper panel, [Purdy, pp.234-48], 8vo, Macmillan & Co., 1925.⁂ The last of Hardy's books published in his lifetime, rare signed.
Heller (Joseph) Catch-22, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "To Bill Backalenick - with the very sincere hope that this book will give you some pleasure. Joseph Heller. February 9, 1962. McCall's" to endpaper, hinges just starting, light spotting to endpaper, original cloth, light fading to spine and foot, dust-jacket priced at $5.95, 3 short closed tears and some light creasing to head, a near-fine copy otherwise, 8vo, New York, Simon & Schuster, 1961.⁂ Heller's classic anti-war satire, inscribed 3 months after publication. Copies of this work with early inscriptions are rare. Heller worked as promotion manager for McCall's Magazine from 1958 to 1961. Irene Backalenick was a colleague there and Heller was acquainted with her husband Bill.
Hellman (Lillian) Days to Come, first edition signed presentation inscription from the author "For Arthur [Kober], who should turn green at the sight of it, but who won't because he knows that it comes with love, Lillian" to endpaper, original cloth, spine browned, spine ends and corners a little bumped and frayed, patch of soiling to upper cover and spine, dust-jacket, spine a little browned, spine ends and corners a little chipped, a few short closed tears and some creasing to head and foot, light rubbing to extremities, a very good copy, 8vo, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1936.⁂ An excellent association copy of Hellman's second published play, inscribed to her ex-husband. Arthur Kober (1900-75) author, press agent and screenwriter. He and Hellman divorced in 1932.
Hellman (Lillian) The Searching Wind. A Play in Two Acts, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "For Jane [Cowl] with deep appreciation of all the fine work work for all these years - affectionately, Lillian" to endpaper, upper hinge cracked but holding firm, original cloth, spine ends and corners a little frayed, dust-jacket, some light rubbing and creasing to tips of spine and corners, some light rubbing to extremities but a near-fine example generally, 8vo, New York, Viking, 1944.⁂ A good association copy, inscribed to the actress Jane Cowl. Jane Cowl (1883-1950), actress and playwright, especially known for playing "lachrymose" parts. She retired in 1941.
Hellman (Lillian) Montserrat. A Play in Two Acts, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Gregory Zilboorg dated Jan 1950 to endpaper, foxing to endpapers, puncture marks to rear endpaper, original boards, dust-jacket, spine ends and corners a little chipped, tears and creasing to head and foot with tape repairs to verso, light rubbing and soiling, 8vo, New York, Dramatists Play Service, [1950].⁂ A nice association. Gregory Zilboorg (1890-1959), psychoanalyst and historian of psychiatry, was Hellman's analyst, see also next two lots.
Hellman (Lillian) The Autumn Garden. A Play in three Acts, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "For Gregory [Zilboorg], Who is responsible for its existence, it comes with love. Lillian, May, 1951" to endpaper, light browning to endpapers, bookplate of Zilboorg to pastedown, original cloth, light fading to spine, spine ends and corners a little frayed, dust-jacket, spine ends and corners a little chipped, some light creasing to head and foot, 8vo, Boston, Little, Brown and Company, 1951.⁂ A good association copy, Gregory Zilboorg was Hellman's analyst (see previous and next lot).
Baldwin (James) The Devil Finds Work, first edition, signed by the author "Peace. James Baldwin" on dedication p., original boards, spine slightly bumped at head, dust-jacket, light sunning to spine, slight toning, front flap a little creased, otherwise near-fine overall, 8vo, New York, Dial Press, 1976.
Highsmith (Patricia) This Sweet Sickness, first edition, first printing with publisher's code 'M-I' to title verso, signed by the author on title, original cloth-backed boards, dust-jacket, light browning to spine and panel margins, faint rubbing and some light creasing to head and foot, light surface soiling, but an excellent example overall, 8vo, New York, Harper, 1960.⁂ Highsmith's sixth novel, rare in the dust-jacket, we can trace no other signed copy.
Highsmith (Patricia) The Cry of the Owl, first edition, first printing, signed presentation inscription from the author "For Naomi [Savage]: - with thanks for the photograph Pat. Sept. 1962" to half-title, small patch of staining to fore-edge, original cloth-backed boards, front flap with ink note "'62" to head, rear flap with pencil note "8-16-62" to head, light bumping to spine ends and corners, dust-jacket, rubbing and light creasing to tips of spine and corners, some light marking to lower panel, an excellent example, 8vo, New York, Harper, 1962.⁂ A nice association copy, inscribed to the photographer who took the author's portrait for the lower panel of the dust-jacket. We can trace no other signed or inscribed copy. Naomi Savage (1927-2005), American photographer.
Hughes (Langston) The Weary Blues, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to title, dust-jacket by Miguel Covarrubias with upper and lower panels laid down on front pastedown and endpaper, original cloth-backed boards, original cloth-backed boards, spine a little dulled, toning to covers, light wear to extremities, 8vo, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1926.⁂ Hughes' first collection of poetry and his first book. Combining influences of Blue and Jazz music, The Weary Blues was a landmark book and poem, one of the most famous and influential publications of the Harlem Renaissance.
Hughes (Langston) Not Without Laughter, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Bernard Smith dated July 3, 1930 to half-title, original cloth, spine a little browned, light fraying to tips of spine and corners, 8vo, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1930.⁂ A superb association copy of Hughes' debut novel, inscribed to the man who helped get it published. We can trace only two inscribed copies of this work at auction. Bernard Smith (1907-90) American literary editor and critic. He began working at Alfred A. Knopf in 1928 and eventually rose to editor-in-chief and managing editor.
Hughes (Langston) The Ways of White Folks, first edition, first printing, signed presentation inscription from the author to Edward Garrett to endpaper, bookplate of Garrett to pastedown, original cloth, light fading to spine, some fraying and wear to spine ends and corners, 8vo, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1934.⁂ Hughes' second book, a collection of short stories and one his most popular prose fiction works. Inscribed first printings of this work are rare, we can trace no copies at auction and only one copy for sale online.
Hughes (Langston) The Big Sea. An Autobiography, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "For Paul Smith, my first life" to half-title, original green buckram, light browning to spine, spine ends and corners a little frayed, dust-jacket, light fading to spine, spine ends and corners chipped, short tears and creasing to head and foot, extremities rubbed, 8vo, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1940.⁂ Hughes' first autobiography, possibly inscribed to Paul Smith (1904-77) publisher of the Modern Pilgrim Press in Princetown, Mass. and owner of the Intimate Bookshop in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Baldwin (James) Just Above My Head, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "For my beloved David Adams Leeming: Godspeed. Jimmy Baldwin" to dedication p., note of provenance in Leeming's hand loosely inserted, original cloth, spine ends and corners a little bumped, dust-jacket, light creasing to spine ends and corners, else fine, 8vo, New York, Dial Press, [1979].⁂ An excellent association copy of Baldwin's final novel inscribed to David Leeming, his friend, biographer and dedicatee of Tell Me How Long the Train's Been Gone.David Adams Leeming (b.1937), author and philologist. From 1964-67 he worked as secretary-assistant to James Baldwin. He published the authoritative biography of Baldwin in 1994.
Hughes (Langston) Shakespeare in Harlem, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author dated March 8, 1942 to endpaper, bookplate of Helene Powell to pastedown, browning to endpapers, original cloth, fading to spine tips, dust-jacket designed by E. McKnight Kauffer, browning to spine and panel margins, spine ends and corners a little chipped, short tear to head of lower joint, light creasing to head, 8vo, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1942.
Hughes (Langston) Freedom's Plow, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Amy Springarn to front wrapper verso, original wrappers, scattered spotting and light surface soiling, very light creasing to corners, 8vo, New York, Musette, [1943].⁂ A good association copy of Langston's longest poem, inscribed to a wealthy benefactor, close friend and civil rights figure whose support enabled him to enroll in Lincoln University, PA. See also lots 246, 254 and 260.Amy Einstein Spingarn (1883-1980), philanthropist, poet and artist. Her husband, Joel Elias Springarn, was a prominent civil rights activist who served as the second president of the NAACP. On his death in 1939, Amy was elected to serve out his term on the board. She continued as a board member for almost 40 years. The Springarns are also the dedicatees of Hughes' first novel, Not Without Laughter.
Hughes (Langston) Fields of Wonder, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "Especially for Marius Flothius with my thanks for your excellent musical settings of my poems, Sincerely, Langston Hughes. New York, November, 1955" to endpaper, brochure for "The Rhythms of the World" and carbon copy of poem "Cross" loosely inserted, original cloth, light rubbing to spine ends, dust-jacket, light sunning and browning to spine, spine ends and corners chipped, closed tear to head of upper panel, a few small nicks and chips to head but overall a very good copy of a rare jacket, 8vo, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1947.⁂ An interesting association copy, inscribed to a Dutch composer who set six of Hughes' poems to music. This work rare signed and in a dust-jacket. Marius Flotius (1914-2001) composer, musicologist and music critic.
NO RESERVE Hughes (Langston) and Mercer Cook, translators.- Roumain (Jacques) Masters of the Dew, first edition, signed presentation inscription from Hughes "For Zell [Ingram] - with happy memories of our Haitian journey - sincerely, Langston. New York, July 7, 1948" to endpaper, original cloth, light fading to spine, toning to extremities, light wear to spine ends and corners, 8vo, New York, Reynal & Hitchcock, [1947].⁂ An excellent association copy, inscribed to a possible former lover and traveling companion who accompanied Hughes on the trip to Haiti when he met Jacques Roumain. Zell Ingram (1910-1971), artist, was 19 when he accompanied Hughes to Haiti. He appears in Hughes' memoir, I Wonder as I Wander. See also lots 243 and 258.
Hughes (Langston) One-Way Ticket, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author dated Dec. 14 1949 to title, light marginal toning, original cloth-backed boards, light fading to spine, spine ends and corners a little bumped, dust-jacket, price-clipped, light toning to spine and lower panel, spine ends a little chipped, some rubbing and faint creasing to extremities, light surface soiling to panels, 8vo, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1949.
Hughes (Langston) Simple Speaks His Mind, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to endpaper, small patch of finger-soiling to title, original cloth, light fading to spine, tips of spine and corners with slight rubbing and bumping, dust-jacket, light toning to spine, spine ends a little chipped, marking and faint ring-staining to panels, very light rubbing to extremities, 8vo, New York, Simon and Schuster, 1950,⁂ The first appearance in book form of Langston's character of "Simple", first created for his Chicago Defender column in 1943.
Hughes (Langston) Montage of a Dream Deferred, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Marion Palfi dated January 30, 1951 to endpaper, very light marginal toning, original cloth, dust-jacket, light browning to spine, spine ends and corners a little chipped, some splitting to joints and fore-edges, 8vo, New York, Henry Holt, [1951].⁂ A good association, inscribed to the photographer and social activist Palfi. Hughes said of her photography "A [Marion] Palfi photograph brings us face to face with hidden realities that its surface only causes us to begin to explore." Marion Palfi (1907-1978), social-documentary photographer. Hughes was an admirer of her work and did a great deal to support and encourage her. See also lots 239, 240, 244, 248 and 249.
Hughes (Langston) Laughing to Keep From Crying, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Marion Palfi dated March 10, 1952 to endpaper, light toning to margins, original cloth-backed boards, light toning to spine, rubbing to tips of spine and corners, dust-jacket, browning to spine and panel margins, spine ends and corners a little chipped, small gouge to upper panel, some chipping to fore-edges, rubbing to extremities, 8vo, New York, Henry Hold, [1952].⁂ A good association, inscribed to the photographer and social activist Palfi (see also lots 238, 240, 244, 248 and 249).
Hughes (Langston) Simple Takes a Wife, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "Especially for Marion [Palfi], this Harlem story-line - Sincerely - Langston, New York April 24, 1953" to endpaper, usual browning to text and endpapers, publisher's survey card loosely inserted, original pictorial boards, light browning to spine and fore-edges, some rubbing to spine tips but an excellent example overall, 8vo, New York, Henry Holt, [1952].⁂ A good association copy, inscribed to the photograph and social activist Palfi (See also lots 238, 239, 244, 248 and 249).
Hughes (Langston) The First Book of Negroes, first edition, first printing with picture of Josephine Baker to p.45, signed presentation inscription from the author "Merry Christmas to my long-time friends - the Tom Johnsons - sincerely - Langston Hughes, New York 1952" to endpaper, small Christmas gift label with note in Langston's hand affixed to endpaper, illustrations by Ursula Koering, gift bookplate from Anna and Thomas O. Johson to Community Church of New York Library to pastedown, original cloth, light fraying to spine ends and corners, remains of library label near spine, dust-jacket, light browning to spine, library label, some chipping to head and foot, splitting to fore-edges, 4to, New York, Franklin Watts, [1952].⁂ The first of Hughes' "First Book" series, written in part to earn money after suspicions of communist sympathies had induced publishers to remove his books from circulation. The First Book of Negroes was cited by Hughes at his HUAC hearing as evidence of his belief in American democratic principals and it, along with the other books in the series, maintains a patriotic tone throughout. It is notable for not including controversial figures such as Paul Robeson and W. E. B. DuBois due to the suspicions around them stirred up by McCarthyism. This the rare first printing which was swiftly edited to remove a picture of Josephine Baker after a public row forced her to leave the United States. Thomas O. Johnson was a dentist and friend of Hughes whose practice was in Harlem. See also lot 247.
NO RESERVE Hughes (Langston) The First Book of Rhythms, first edition, first printing, signed presentation inscription from the author to Zell Ingram dated May 1954 to endpaper, illustrations by Robin King, original cloth, light fading to spine and covers, spine ends and corners a little worn, dust-jacket, price-clipped with remains of price label to front flap, light toning to spine, minor chipping to spine ends and corners, light rubbing to extremities, 8vo, New York, Franklin Watts, [1954].⁂ Zell Ingram, artist, Hughes' former travelling companion and possible lover (see lot 234, also lot 258).
Hughes (Langston) The First Book of Jazz, Pictures by Cliff Roberts, Music Selected by David Martin, first edition, first printing, signed presentation inscription from the author to Martin Magner and Marion Palfi "these syncopated heartbeats" dated March, 1955 to half-title, some light browning to title, original cloth, light toning to spine and corners, dust-jacket, price-clipped with $1.95 ink stamp to front flap, spine ends and corners a little chipped, extremities rubbed, some light spotting or soiling to panels, 8vo, New York, Franklin Watts, [1955].⁂ Hughes' charming introduction to Jazz for children. Martin Magner and Marion Palfi (see also lots 238, 239, 240, 248 and 249.).
NO RESERVE Hughes (Langston) The First Book of Africa, first edition, first printing, signed presentation inscription from the author dated July 24, 1960 to endpaper, photographic illustrations, original cloth, light toning to spine and covers, light fraying to tips of spine and corners, dust-jacket, light browning to spine and panel margins, spine ends and corners chipped, central split to spine, 4to, Franklin Watts, [1960].
Hughes (Langston, editor and contributor) Lincoln Universiy Poets, edited by Waring Cuney, Langston Hughes and Bruce McM. Wright, first edition, signed presentation inscription from Hughes to Amy Springarn dated May 1954 to endpaper, signed by remaining editors and 1 poet below their contributions, original cloth, light fading to upper and lower edges, dust-jacket, light sunning to spine, spine ends and corners a little chipped, light rubbing to extremities, 8vo, New York, Fine Editions Press, [1954].⁂ A good association copy inscribed to a philanthropist and civil rights figure. For Amy Springarn see lot 231, also lots 254 and 260.
Hughes (Langston) The Sweet Flypaper of Life. Photographs by Ray DeCarava, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "Especially for Martin [Magner] and Marion [Palfi], this little tale of Harlem - Sincerely, Langston", also signed by DeCarava on endpaper, very light marginal toning, original cloth-backed boards, light browning to spine tips, dust-jacket, light browning to spine and upper panel, splitting to upper joint, minor chipping to spine ends and corners, light rubbing to extremities, 8vo, New York, Simon and Schuster, 1955.⁂ A good association copy of this remarkable photobook, rare to find signed by both contributors. DeCarava approached Hughes in the summer of 1954, seeking advice on how to advance his career as a photographer. Hughes so admired DeCarava's work that he immediately promised his support in getting them publisher. After a series of rejections, Simon and Schuster eventually accepted the proposal on the condition that the book remain small and Hughes write a story to accompany the pictures. Martin Magner (1900-2002), theatre, radio and television director. Marion Palfi, photographer and social activist (see also lots 238, 239, 240, 244 and 249).
Hughes (Langston) and Milton Meltzer. A Pictorial History of the Negro in America, first edition, signed presentation inscription from Hughes "Especially for Marion [Palfi] - one of whose fine pictures adorns this book" dated Nov. 9, 1956 to endpaper, illustrations throughout, some very light marginal toning, original cloth-backed boards, light browning to spine, dust-jacket, jacket spine discoloured, spine ends and corners chipped, some splitting to ends of joints and fore-edges, a few short tears and creasing to head and foot, extremities rubbed, 4to, New York, Crown Publishers, [1956].⁂ An excellent association copy, inscribed to a contributor and friend. For Marion Palfi, see also lots 238, 239, 240, 244 and 248. Palfi's photograph, a portrait of Frances Wills, appears on p. 295 and is credited on p. 314.
Hughes (Langston) I Wonder as I Wander, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "Especially for Ezra [?Pound], who first read the manuscript of this book (its full 780 pages before cutting) with my thanks for your most helpful comments - Sincerely, Langston. Publication day, November 8, 1956" to endpaper, original cloth, light fading to spine, spine ends a little bumped, dust-jacket, very light browning to spine, spine ends and corners a little chipped, light creasing to head, light rubbing to extremities, 8vo, New York, Rinehart & Company, [1956].⁂ An intriguing and potentially highly important association copy possibly inscribed to Ezra Pound. Pound and Hughes first began their correspondence in 1931 before breaking off in 1935. The two poets would have no direct communication until their first and possibly only meeting in person in 1950 when Hughes was invited to give a reading at the St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington DC where Pound was interned. Their correspondence subsequently resumed, with Pound eager to convey to Hughes that despite reports to the contrary he had never vilified the black community. Hughes would send Pound inscribed copies of his works although no letters from him appear to have survived.
NO RESERVE Hughes (Langston) The Langston Hughes Reader, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author in 2 different inks "For Helen Sherman, Little Lyric (of great importance) I wish the rent/ Was heaven sent" to endpaper, original cloth-backed boards, some marking and wear to upper joint and fore-edge, dust-jacket, light toning to spine, rubbing and creasing to head and foot, short closed tear to foot of lower panel, preserved in custom drop-back box, 8vo, New York, George Braziller, 1958.⁂ Inscribed by Hughes with his most famous couplet, his Little Lyric (of Great Importance).
Hughes (Langston) Selected Poems, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "Inscribed especially for Amy Springarn with my gratitude to you, and the NAACP in which you and your family have been guiding spirits, and to which my career is linked - many of these poems having first appeared in the Crisis", sincerely - Langston. New York, March 6, 1959" to endpaper with Autograph Letter signed by the author to Springarn saying he had wanted to bring the book to her but was unable, illustrations by E. McKnight Kauffer, letter a little browned, at head, original cloth, dust-jacket, light browning to spine and panels, patch of discolouration to upper panel, splitting to foot of lower joint, some chipping to head and foot, 8vo, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1959.⁂ A good association copy with an excellent inscription in the year of publication to a philanthropist and civil rights figure. For Amy Springarn see lot 231, also lots 246 and 260.
Hughes (Langston, editor) An African Treasury, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Kwame Nkrumah dated 1960 to half-title, map endpapers, original cloth-backed boards, light wear to tips of spine and corners, dust-jacket, price-clipped, discolouration to spine, a little chipped at head and foot, light marking and surface soiling, extremities rubbed, 8vo, New York, Crown, 1960.⁂ An excellent association copy, inscribed to the first President of Ghana and father of African independence in the Gold Coast. whose speech to the U.S. Senate is featured on pp.75-6. Hughes travelled through the Gold Coast as a young man and was a strong advocate for African independence as evinced by the present work.
Hughes (Langston) Ask Your Mama: 12 Moods for Jazz, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author dated October 1961 to endpaper, typography and decorations by Vincent Torre, original cloth-backed decorated boards, light browning to foot of spine, light rubbing to corner tips, dust-jacket, light browning to spine, chipping and creasing to head, light rubbing to extremities, oblong 8vo, New York, Alfred A. Knopf, 1961.
Hughes (Langston) The Best of Simple, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "Especially for or Art D'Lugoff - whose Village Gate is full of "simple" fun" to endpaper, original cloth, light raying to tips of spine and corners, dust-jacket, spine ends and corners a little chipped, light creasing to head and foot, surface soiling, 1961; [Another copy], first paperback edition, signed presentation inscription from the author to Zell Ingram to verso of upper wrapper, some damp-staining to upper corner, original wrappers, original wrappers, toning, pencil marks to lower cover, rubbed, 1961, New York, Hill and Wang, 8vo (2)⁂ Both copies with interesting associations. Art D'Lugoff (1924-2009) Jazz impresario whose Village Gate jazz club hosted a number of prominent jazz artists, including Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.Zell Ingram, artist, Hughes' former travelling companion and possible lover (see lot 234, also lot 243).
Hughes (Langston) Fight for Freedom. The Story of the NAACP, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "For Naomi T. Gray", light browning to endpapers, original cloth, marking to head of spine, dust-jacket, price-clipped, spine ends and corners a little chipped, light rubbing, 8vo, New York, W. W. Norton, 1962.⁂ Rare signed. Likely inscribed to Naomi Thomas Gray (1922-2006), community activist and member of the NAACP.
NO RESERVE Hughes (Langston, editor) The Book of Negro Humour, first edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "A very Happy Birthday to Amy Springarn" dated January 29, 1966 to endpaper, original cloth, some light rubbing and minor bumping to spine ends and corners, dust-jacket, sunning to spine, spine ends and corners a little chipped, chip to head of rear panel, a few short tears and creases to head and foot, 8vo, New York, Dodd, Mead & Company, [1966].⁂ A good association copy inscribed to a philanthropist and civil rights figure. For Amy Springarn see lot 231, also lots 246 and 254.
Isherwood (Christopher) All the Conspirators, first edition, Graham Greene's copy with his ink ownership inscription to pastedown and signed presentation inscription from the author "For Graham, from his admiring cousin Christopher. April 1961." to front free endpaper, Autograph Letter and Autograph Postcard signed from Isherwood to Greene loosely inserted along with Jonathan Cape advertisement flier, original cloth, dust-jacket, spine browned, spine ends and corners a little chipped, long split to upper joint, some light creasing to head,[Westby and Brown p.3], 8vo, 1928.⁂ A fine association copy of Isherwood's first novel, inscribed to his cousin Graham Greene when the two writers were at the peak of their fame, along with two excellent letters written by Isherwood when the two writers were at very start of their careers. In the first letter (dated July 2, presumably 1929), Isherwood congratulates Greene on the publication of his first novel The Man Within: "I don't feel I should do The Man Within justice in a third class German railway carriage, so shall reserve it as a treat for when I get back, in three weeks' time. Why I really write all this is to congratulate you on your magnificent notices. I haven't seen a single bad one. I'm awfully glad it's going so well..."The second letter (dated May 27, postmarked 1936) regards Greene's discussion with Methuen in assisting Isherwood to move to the publisher (Methuen would begin publishing Isherwood's works in the 1940s), about Greene's It's a Battlefield and his continued global travels.
Isherwood (Christopher) The Memorial, first edition, presentation inscription from the author "To Olive [Mangeot], with the author's love - in memory of life at the Scrivens' to endpaper, ink ownership inscription of Olive Mangeot to pastedown, original first state pink cloth lettered in blue, light sunning to spine, dust-jacket, light browning to spine, spine ends and corners a little chipped, very light creasing to head, light rubbing to extremities, an excellent example, [Westby and Brown p.5; Woolmer 294], Hogarth Press, 1932, housed in large custom drop-back box with Typed Letter signed by the author to Mangeot ("My darling Mop") with additional ink inscription below by Isherwood's partner Heinz Neddermeyer below tipped into card folder and laid on top with printed cataloguing notice to facing cover, 8vo & 4to (2)⁂ A charming presentation copy inscribed to a mother-figure of Isherwood's who was also the basis for an early character in the novel. Together with an excellent letter discussing the real life inspiration for Sally Bowles and also signed by one of the great loves of the young Isherwood's life. After leaving Cambridge, Isherwood found work as secretary to a string quartet led by André Mangeot. In this manner he became acquainted with the Mangeot family and their Chelsea home. Olive Mangeot remained a correspondent of Isherwood's for the rest of her life and the Mangeot family appear in semi-fictionalised form as the Cheurets in Lion and Shadows and the Scrivners in the present work. Heinz Neddermeyer (born c.1915) met Isherwood in Berlin in 1937 and the two became lovers. The two fled Germany 1933 and spent the next 4 year travelling through Europe and North Africa attempting to find a home. Heinz was eventually forced to return to Germany in 1937 where he was arrested and sentenced to 3 1/2 years hard labour and forced military service. The two men did not meet again until 1952. Heinz's parallel is found throughout Isherwood's writing, most famously as Otto in Goodbye to Berlin. We can find no other similar examples of Autograph notes by Heinz.The letter is likely written in 1937, while Isherwood was writing Lion and Shadows. In it he discusses obtaining permission from Jean Ross (Sally Bowles' real life counterpart) to publish the novella Sally Bowles "I'd much rather have had it in writing, even a p.c. But I suppose she's too busy". He also mentions writing Memorial "I am just sitting down to described Wystan's finger-nails" and assures her of his discretion when it comes to describing the Mangeot family.
Isherwood (Christopher) The Last of Mr. Norris, first American edition, signed presentation inscription from the author "For ?Crit Davis, with my best wishes, Christopher Isherwood. May 1962" to endpaper, light toning to margins, original oatmeal cloth, spine browned, corners a little frayed, [Westby and Brown p.4], 8vo, New York, William Morrow and Company, 1935.⁂ The first American edition of Mr. Norris Changes Trains. We can trace no other inscribed copies.
Isherwood (Christopher) The Last of Mr. Norris, first American edition, light marginal toning, original cloth, dust-jacket, light browning to spine, upper fore-edge broken with flap loose, spine ends and corners a little chipped, very short closed tear to head of upper panel, some chipping to head of lower panel, light creasing to head, but still a very good and attractive example of a rare jacket, [Westby and Brown p.4], 8vo, New York, William Morrow, 1935.
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