An early illustrated edition (most likely 1898) of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s Folks From Dixie, a collection of short stories by one of the most important Black American writers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Published in London by James Bowden, 10 Henrietta Street, W.C., this handsome hardcover edition features illustrations by noted American illustrator E. W. Kemble.
The collection contains twelve stories, including “Anner ’Lizer’s Stumblin’ Block,” “The Ordeal at Mt. Hope,” “The Colonel’s Awakening,” “The Trial Sermons on Bull-Skin,” “Jimsella,” “Mt. Pisgah’s Christmas ’Possum,” “A Family Feud,” “Aunt Mandy’s Investment,” “The Intervention of Peter,” “Nelse Hatton’s Vengeance,” “At Shaft 11,” and “The Deliberation of Mr. Dunkin.”
The book is bound in decorative tan cloth with black and red lettering and ornamentation and an illustrated portrait panel mounted to the front board. Interior illustrations include both black-and-white and color work by Kemble.
Condition: Acceptable antique condition with substantial age-related wear. Boards and spine show discoloration, staining, soiling, fading, rubbing, and edge/corner wear. Pages exhibit considerable age toning, foxing and scattered staining, with some waviness and edge wear visible. There is a lengthy previous-owner handwritten inscription dated 1952 on the front endpaper. Binding remains intact but shows its age. No dust jacket. Please review all photographs carefully for the exact condition.
An especially interesting Dunbar volume for collectors of African American literature, 19th-century American literature, illustrated books, and Paul Laurence Dunbar material, as well as those interested in Dunbar’s connections to Dayton, Ohio.