Description
Inscribed by Langston Hughes to Irene Liggins, notable member of the NAACP, the first edition of Simple Speaks His Mind.
Octavo, [vi], 231pp. In the publisher’s original green cloth, title in gilt on spine, facsimile signature in black on front cover. The first printing, with no additional printings listed on copyright page. Solid text block, touch of toning along edges, a near fine example. In the publisher’s price-slipped dust jacket, some chipping to corners, sunned spine. Front panel previously detached, restored with archival tape along verso. (Bruccoli & Clark III, 162) (Blockson 6379) Housed in a custom green clamshell, title in gilt on curved morocco spine.
Inscribed by Langston Hughes on the front free endpaper in his signature green ink: “Especially for Irene Liggins, with the sincere regard of Langston Hughes / Feb 16, 1959.”
A unique association in one of Hughes’ most recognizable titles.
Irene Liggins and her husband Alfred were long-standing members of the NAACP. Hughes often visited their house in Cleveland, his high school hometown, when hosting “poetry-to-jazz” evenings at the Karamu House to raise money for the local community center near his alma mater, Central High School.
