60 Great Books - 25 - Bauman Rare Books Presentation/Association First Edition Of Strength To Love, Warmly Inscribed By Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. To Renowned African American Singer McHenry Boatwright 23. KING Jr., Martin Luther. Strength to Love. New York, Evanston, and London, 1963. Octavo, original half black cloth, dust jacket, custom half morocco clamshell box. $19,000. First edition of an especially memorable presentation/association copy, inscribed by Dr. King to a famous opera 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.,” in original dust jacket. Strength to Love was Dr. King’s first volume of sermons. Copyright page with “First Edition” and code “D-N” indicating printing in April 1963. 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. Boatwright was a perennial favorite of accomplished music personalities such as Leonard Bernstein. 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. Their acquaintance likely led to Boatwright and Martin Luther King Jr.’s later introduction. King and Boatwright attended many of the same events and award ceremonies during the 1960s. Interior very fresh with lightest edge-wear, faint toning to near-fine book, dust jacket bright and fine. A most desirable presentation copy with a wonderful association. “Strength to Love remains a concrete testament to King’s lifelong commitment to preach the social gospel.”—Stanford University
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