Description
Inscribed first edition of Here I Stand, the autobiography by musician, actor, football player, and activist Paul Robeson.
Octavo, 128pp. Burgundy hardcover, title in gilt on spine. Stated “Second Impression” on copyright page. This English edition precedes the first American edition, published the same year. Solid text block, slight bow to covers, bumped spine, a near fine example. In the publisher’s dust jacket, retail price on front flap, soiling to rear panel, small tape remnant to verso. Housed in a custom black clamshell, title in gilt on curved morocco spine.
Inscribed on the front free endpaper: “To a Friend / Mrs. Elizabeth K. B— / Every kind wish & many thanks. Paul Robeson / Nov. 1958.”
Paul Robeson (1898-1976) had a long and diverse public career. He was the only Black student at Rutgers University in 1915 and was twice named All-American while playing football for the college. He earned his LL.B. from Columbia Law School while simultaneously playing in the NFL. Robeson turned to acting after completing his education, performing in Eugene O’Neill’s The Emporer Jones and All God’s Chillun Got Wings. He recorded and released hundreds of songs over the course of nearly forty years, including titles like “Steal Away” and “Were You There.”
Robeson was public with his political involvements, openly supporting the Allied efforts in World War II while also supporting civil rights movements and Soviet/communist policies. He was investigated during the McCarthy era, losing rights to international travel until 1958 with the conclusion of Supreme Court case Kent v. Dulles.
