Deep River; Reflections on the Religious Insight of Certain of the Negro Spirituals

New York: Harper and Brothers, 1955. Revised Edition. Cloth. Near fine/near fine. Signed copy of Deep River: Reflections on the Religious Insight of Certain of the Negro Spirituals by Howard Thurman.. Octavo, 94pp. Beige cloth, title in green on spine. Solid text block, faint toning to endpapers, otherwise fine. In the publisher's dust jacket, $2.00 retail price on front flap, light wear to corners and hinge flaps, touch of toning to verso, a near fine example. Inscribed by the author on the title page: "To Albert + Jessie Danielsen / With a personal affection. Howard Thurman." This work was first published in 1945 by The Eucalyptus Press. Albert and Jessie Danielsen, the recipients of this copy, were generous philanthropists best remembered from their contributions to numerous institutions including Boston University, Brandeis University, and Bethune-Cookman College. The Albert + Jessie Danielsen Institute at Boston University actively works against all forms of social injustice through psychiatry and psychotherapy training, educational internships, and community outreach programs. Howard Thurman (1899-1981) was a prominent minister, academic, and civil rights leader of the 20th century. He served as dean of Rankin Chapel at Howard University from 1932-1944, then as dean of Marsh Chapel at Boston University from 1953-1965. Thurman's dedication to sharing the theology of radical nonviolence influenced many civil rights movement leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr., who was mentored by Thurman while attending Boston University.