“TO MAKE A POET BLACK, AND BID HIM SING!”: COUNTEE CULLEN’S FIRST BOOK OF VERSE, COLOR

CULLEN, Countee. Color. New York and London: Harper & Brothers, 1925 (i.e., 1926). Octavo, original half yellow cloth, patterned paper-covered boards, original paper labels affixed to spine and front board, uncut. $450.

First edition, early issue, of Cullen’s first book of verse, with 73 poems by this “central figure in the Harlem Renaissance” including “Yet Do I Marvel,” “Heritage” and “Incident.”

"With the publication of his first volume of poems in 1925, Color, Countee Cullen assumed the place of a central figure in the Harlem Renaissance. The book states the themes—the injustice of colour-prejudice, the black man's African legacy, religious doubt and belief—that were to dominate his work over the 20 years until his death" (Hamilton, 109). "Cullen was one of the most brilliant of the young poets of the era between the two World Wars… His roots went very deep into lyric soil" (New York Times). First edition, early issue, with publisher's code AA indicating printing date of January 1926 (first printing August 1925). Without the uncommon dust jacket. See Blockson 5027. Inked owner inscription dated 1926.

Text fine; boards with light edge-wear, minor toning to spine, slight soiling to paper labels. An extremely good copy.