JOHNSON, James Weldon (1871-1938). The Second Book of Negro Spirituals. New York: The Viking Press, 1926.

First edition of Johnson’s influential sequel to his 1925 Book of Negro Spirituals: presentation copy inscribed to Harlem Renaissance writer Eric D. Walrond. Eric Walrond (1898-1966), the recipient of this copy, published his enduring work Tropic Death in the same year the present volume was issued. 'Walrond was inspired by [Johnson's] engagement with the matter of language itself, which loomed larger as he fashioned himself a fiction writer' (Davis).

Quarto. 83 leaves of musical arrangements by J. Rosamond Johnson (one minor marginal tear, repaired tear into text of p.173). Original blue-grey cloth, spine and upper cover lettered in brown, upper cover with small vignette stamped in brown and yellow (extremities lightly rubbed, spine lightly faded); housed in a modern blue cloth box. Provenance: Eric D. Warlrond (1898-1966, Harlem Renaissance writer and journalist; authorial presentation inscription to front free endpaper, surname misspelt 'Waldron').

Please note that this is an historical artefact. Some of its language and terminology, which reflects the context and culture of the time of its creation, is now considered outdated and culturally offensive; its contents may be at odds with contemporary views.