"VISUALLY ARRESTING… ILLUSTRATED IN RINGGOLD'S DISTINCTIVE STYLE": FIRST EDITION OF O HOLY NIGHT, 2004, INSCRIBED BY AWARD-WINNING ARTIST FAITH RINGGOLD IN THE YEAR OF PUBLICATION, ACCOMPANYING ORIGINAL CD WITH CHRISTMAS CAROLS PERFORMED BY THE BOYS CHOIR OF HARLEM

RINGGOLD, Faith. O Holy Night. Christmas with the Boys Choir of Harlem. Pictures by Faith Ringgold. (New York): Harper Collins / Amistad, (2004). Tall quarto, original pictorial laminated boards, pictorial endpapers, original dust jacket.

First edition of this "beautifully designed volume" of Christmas carols wonderfully illustrated by Ringgold, inscribed in the year of publication by her on the title page, "Faith Ringgold 11/27/04," accompanying CD with Christmas carols performed by the Boys Choir of Harlem, featuring 20 full- and double-page color illustrations (including endpapers and dust jacket), a fine copy.

Ringold, whose provocative work "has confronted race relations in this country from every angle… has always 'believed that eventually everyone will catch up with her, and the world is catching up with her,' said Melissa Blanchflower, curator." In a recent 2020 interview, Ringgold expressed her gratitude for "the attention I am now getting in the art world… but I am also aware that it has taken a very long time for I had to live to be 89 years old to see it happen" (New York Times). "Sumptuous gold and brilliant jewel tones are the palette" for O Holy Night, a "visually arresting collection of traditional Christmas carols illustrated in Ringgold's distinctive style. The King James Version of the Nativity story from the book of Luke serves as the volume's introduction, followed by five carols using traditional words and multiple verses in white type on arched golden panels… Biblical characters are people of color, while the hosts of angels are of many ethnicities and ages… the title of each song is in large calligraphy in a different bright color, adding more visual enhancement to this beautifully designed volume" (Kirkus). Accompanying the book is the original CD of five carols sung by the Boys Choir of Harlem: enclosed in the original sleeve affixed at the rear. First edition, first printing: "First Edition" stated with full number line on copyright page.

A splendid inscribed copy in fine condition.