Books

Borzio Book published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1953. Advance reading copy of James Baldwin's first novel issued before publication of the hardcover first edition. Considered to be semi-autobiographical and tells the story of a depression-era Harlem teenager. The cover art used on the advance copies was rejected by the author and replaced for the first printing. Cover as shown with this listing is rubbed and scuffed. Edges are aged and slightly soiled, binding is firm. Your purchase helps our small public library. pi (B2)

Go Tell It on the Mountain is a semi-autobiographical novel by James Baldwin that examines the role of the Christian Church in the lives of African-Americans, both as a source of repression and moral hypocrisy and as a source of inspiration and community. It also details the social and psychological pressures that lead to the moral and spiritual decline of John Grimes, a teenage boy much like Baldwin himself.

Determining if a copy of 'Go Tell It on the Mountain' is a first edition can involve looking for the publisher's name and the publication date matching the first edition details (Alfred A. Knopf, 1953). Additionally, a stated 'First Edition' on the copyright page, along with no other printings listed, can signify it is a first edition.