HUGHES, Langston (1901-1967). The First Book of Rhythms. New York: Franklin Watts, 1954.

8vo. Illustrations by Robin King. Original green cloth; publisher's pictorial dust jacket, with advertisements printed verso (minor losses to spine ends and some chipping, spine panel toned, a few separations to folds). Provenance: Noël Sullivan (presentation inscription); by descent to present owner.

FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY HUGHES TO SULLIVAN: “For Noel – With a bit of Carmel on page 20. Sincerely, Langston. New York, May 1954.” With a short inscription on p.20: “Carmel,” written above the printed text which reads: “In growing things there is an endless variety of rhythm from…the wind-shaped cypress of the California coast, clinging to a rocky cliff near where the waves shower their salty spray.” Hughes “was pleased when his First Book of Rhythms, a ‘deceptively profound little book,’ one scholar judged, appeared early in the year from Franklin Watts” (Rampersad, Life, Vol. II, p.232).

[With:] HUGHES, Langston. The First Book of Jazz by Langston Hughes. New York: Franklin Watts, 1955.

Square 8vo. Illustrations by Cliff Roberts. Original grey cloth (upper hinge starting). Provenance: William P. and Alice D. Mahoney (presentation inscription, bookplate).

FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY HUGHES: “Especially for the Mahoneys – Sincerely, Langston. New York, January 10, 1955.” According to Hughes, this book was “’just about the toughest little job I’ve ever done’ but would bring the music he loved best to the attention of children of all races…. Not the least of his troubles with the book on jazz came from his squeamish editors…’These children’s editors! Much more naïve than the children! (If they knew where the word jazz came from…’)” (ibid., p.232).


Fine African Americana from the Collections of Noël Sullivan & William P. and Alice D. Mahoney