Powell, Lieut. William J. BLACK WINGS. Los Angeles: Ivan Deach, Jr., 1934. 8vo. With frontis and numerous illustrations in-text. Ex-library, bound in blue cloth with markings, front pastedown with evidence of pocket removal and due date stamps to front blank, frontis and title with perforated blind-stamps, title verso with three small ink-stamps, else the text is unmarked save for the author's signature on the dedication leaf. Contents with mild age-tone, shallow and faded water-stain to upper and outer margin throughout, one large corner-chip removing two letters, and approximately a dozen closed tears in places throughout (most about 1".) Fair. *************************************** First edition of this exceedingly rare work. "Autograph First Edition" signed in red pencil by Powell on the dedication leaf. Powell served in WWI and suffered from the effects of poison gas. Upon his return, he attempted to enter aviation but was unable to do so due to his race. Eventually he did find an aviation school in California who admitted him, and he became a successful figure in aviation. The present work is Powell's attempt to encourage African-Americans to join in the emerging aviation industry. The present copy is accompanied by a soft-cover copy of Black Wings / The American Black in Aviation, by Von Hardesty and Dominick. Pisano.