RICHARD WRIGHT'S BLUES [wrapper title].
Ellison, Ralph:
[Np]: Reprinted from The Antioch Review, Summer 1945. [16]pp. Stapled printed self wrappers. Slight rusting to staples, otherwise a fine copy. First separate printing of Ellison's seminal essay on Wright, catalyzed by the appearance of BLACK BOY. A somewhat mysterious item, not reported in any of the ordinary bibliographic references. It is not an offprint from the periodical, but a new setting of the text for this printing. Two clues as to its origin may rest with the italicized acknowledgement printed on the verso of the upper wrapper ("Courtesy of Mrs. J.C. Guggenheimer"), and with the Union Printer's slug in the corner of the rear wrapper, which includes the digits '52' to the right of the logo, possibly indicating the year of printing as 1952. Obviously, if this printing was made in the year of the appearance of the essay, it would precede INVISIBLE MAN by over six years; if it was indeed printed in 1952, it may or may not precede the novel. Either way, it is an uncommon and highly important Ellison item.
(Item ID: WRCLIT36120) $3,000.00
Uncommon Early Work