Item Details
The Harlem Book of the Dead with foreword by Toni Morrison.
Dobbs Ferry, NY: Morgan & Morgan, 1978. First Edition. Hardcover. “James Van DerZee, undoubtedly the most well known of the black studio photographers, captured the spirit and life of New York’s Harlem for more than 50 years.” In Harlem Book of the Dead, Van DerZee’s beautifully composed “photographs reflect the communal significance of African-American spirituality and the concept that the deceased is ever present in the daily activities of the living” (Willis, 42-3). Van DerZee’s funeral photographs fundamentally defined “a genre that was fashionable in Harlem between the world wars” (McDarrah, 508). Published the same year Van DerZee was awarded a Living Legacy Award by President Carter. Featuring interview with Van DerZee, foreword by Nobel Prize winner Toni Morrison, introduction by Camille Billops and text by Owen Dodson. Blockson 847. See Roth, 23."--Bookseller review. Near Fine in Near Fine Dustjacket. Near fine in a near fine dustjacket. Subtle toning to jacket along top edge, small spot of faint acidification to front paste down endpaper where sticker was removed, else tight, bright and unmarred. 85pp. illus (b/w). Thin 8vo. Original leatherette gilt. Item #11448
Price: $750.00