Search Results: not without laughter by hughes

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1930. First edition of Langston Hughes’ award-winning debut novel. Octavo, original cloth. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page in the year of publication to his editor, "For Bernard Smith ~ Sincerely, Langston Hughes July 3, 1930." The recipient, American literary editor and critic Bernard Smith began working at Alfred A. Knopf in 1928 and eventually rose to editor-in-chief and managing editor. He notably edited the works of B. Traven, Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, and Langston Hughes, including this, Hughes' debut novel. In near fine condition. An exceptional association copy, inscribed by Hughes to the man that helped publish this very work. Exceedingly rare with only two inscribed copies of this work traced at auction. By the late 1920s, Hughes' work had been, for over a decade, enormously influential on the literature and politics that shaped the Harlem Renaissance. At a time before widespread arts grants, Hughes had gained the… Read More

New York and London: Alfred A. Knopf, 1930. First edition. Frontispiece portrait by Amy Spingarn; printed on handmade paper by Dard Hunter. 8vo. Printed cloth covered board. Title-page printed in brown and black, top edge stained blue, light sunning to spine with abrasion near title, slightly cocked, Sullivan's bookplate to the front pastedown. First edition. Frontispiece portrait by Amy Spingarn; printed on handmade paper by Dard Hunter. 8vo. The First Volume Inscribed by Hughes to his Great Friend and Confidant. Inscribed on the ffep: "To Noel - this novel of a people he understands; with my regard and affection - Sincerely, Langston. San Francisco, May 23, 1932." In March 1932 Noël Sullivan, a wealthy aspiring concert singer and a patron to liberal and artistic causes, sent Hughes a note of his admiration with an invitation to visit him in San Fransisco. Sullivan, whose housekeeper Eulah Pharr had friends in common with Hughes, had recently performed one of Hughes's poems in concert, set to… Read More