first edition Hardcover
1958 · New York
by KING, Martin Luther, Jr.
New York: Harper & Brothers, 1958. Hardcover. Very Good/Very Good. First edition. Octavo. Library of Congress surplus copy with label and "duplicate" stamp, and owner name of Octavia Vivian signed at a later date, all on the front pastedown; as well as a small owner stamp ("Louis S. Allen") on the half-title. Faint sticker mark on spine, a bit of rubbing, a nice, sound very good copy in very good dust jacket with rubbing at the spine. The Author's first book, the story of the Montgomery Bus Strike and the ensuing action surrounding it, written when he was 29 years old. In 1951 King began his work on his doctoral studies in systematic theology at the Boston University School of Theology. This is almost certainly one of the two copies submitted by the publisher to secure copyright (The Library of Congress required two copies, but routinely discarded the second copy). From the personal collection of Rev. C. T. Vivian, King's close friend and associate, and the author of the 1970 *Black Power and the American Myth*, the first book on Civil Rights written by someone who was actually on Dr, King's staff. Vivian was an instrumental leader of King's staff in the South during the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. Barack Obama, speaking at the 2007 anniversary of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, referred to Vivian in words of Dr. King Jr. as "the greatest preacher to ever live". Obama also awarded Vivian the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A nice association copy of Dr. King's first book.
(Inventory #: 581402)