Description
Signed first edition of Deep River: An Integration of Negro Spirituals by Howard Thurman.
Octavo, [6], 39pp, [5]. Full blue hardcover, title in gilt on front cover. Same date printed on title and copyright pages. Solid text block, light sunning along spine and edges. Previous ownership inscription on front pastedown. In the publisher’s dust jacket, $2.00 retail price listed on front flap, thin crease to center of spine, small chips to corners, a scarce near fine example.
Signed by Howard Thurman on the title page.
The scarce first edition of Deep River, reissued in 1955 by Harper and Brothers with the title: “Deep River: Reflections on the Religious Insight of Certain of the Negro Spirituals.”
Howard Thurman (1899-1981) was a prominent minister, academic, and civil rights leader of the 20th century. He served as dean of Rankin Chapel at Howard University from 1932-1944, then as dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University from 1953-1965. Thurman’s dedication to sharing the theology of radical nonviolence influenced many civil rights movement leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr., who was mentored by Thurman while attending Boston University.
