"NO, BE NOT STILL / BUT WITH A WILL / STRIKE ALL YOUR HARPS AND SET THEM RINGING"

DUNBAR, Paul Laurence. Chris'Mus' is a'Comin' & Other Poems. New York: Dodd, Mead, [1907]. 16mo, original white paper wrappers, top edge gilt. Housed in custom full green morocco clamshell box. $1200.

First edition, second printing.

Frederick Douglass called Dunbar, the first African-American literary figure to achieve national prominence, "one of the sweetest songsters his race has produced and a man of whom I hope great things." Dunbar, the son of slaves, was particularly noted for writing his poetry in both classical English and in African-American dialect, but the public preferred dialect, such as in this volume. BAL 4957.

A clean, fine copy.