Books

London: Michael Joseph Ltd, 1963. First U.K. Edition. First Impression. Octavo (19.5cm); original pale grey card wrappers, with titling and publisher's logo in blue on front cover; [14],15-112pp. Date of publication and price (28th October 63, 15/-) written in ink on front wrapper. Some scattered foxing to lower and right edge of textblock, else clean internally; Near Fine. Uncorrected proof copy of Baldwin's highly-regarded Civil Rights-era book, collecting two long essays: "My Dungeon Shook - Letter to my Nephew on the One Hudredth Anniversary of Emancipation," and "Down At The Cross - Letter from a Region of My Mind." The first essay, written in the form of a letter to Baldwin's 14 year-old nephew, discusses the central role of race in American history. The second essay deals with the relations between race and religion, focusing in particular on Baldwin's experiences with the Christian church as a youth, as well as the Islamic ideas emerging in Harlem. Easily Baldwin's most…

A classic of the civil rights movement, 'The Fire Next Time' is a powerful evocation of James Baldwin's early life in Harlem and a disturbing examination of the consequences of racial injustice which consists of two essays: 'My Dungeon Shook — Letter to my Nephew on the One Hundredth Anniversary of Emancipation,' and 'Down At The Cross — Letter from a Region of My Mind.'

One way to determine if a copy of 'The Fire Next Time' is a first edition is to look for the publishing details. For Dial Press, the first edition usually states 'First Printing' or 'First Published' along with the year 1963. It may also have a specific cover design or dust jacket that can be attributed to the first edition copies.