Description

ADVANCE COPY OF MANCHILD IN THE PROMISED LAND, INSCRIBED BY CLAUDE BROWN

BROWN, Claude. Manchild in the Promised Land. New York: Macmillan, 1965. Octavo, original cream paper wrappers. Housed in a custom clamshell box.

Advance copy of one of the most important African-American literary works of the 20th century, inscribed on the half title: “For Phyllis Levita, My first book. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Claude Brown. November 1, 1988.”

“Brown was a member of two notorious gangs, the Buccaneers and The Forty Thieves. After serving time in reform school, he eventually enrolled in Howard University? Norman Mailer wrote ‘The first thing I ever read which gave me an idea of what it would be like day to day if I’d grown up in Harlem” (Blockson 94). Owner signature on inscription page.

Slight soiling to wrappers. A fine advance copy, very rare signed.