first edition
1968 · New York
by Baldwin, James
New York: The Dial Press, 1968. Very good.. Uncorrected galleys of the first edition of Baldwin's "criminally underrated" (Weekes) fourth novel about the life of a Black actor. TELL ME is the story of Black actor Leo Proudhammer, his brilliant career shadowed by the condescension, alienation, and physical threats visited on him by a white America that will tolerate him only so far as he entertains, and which exacts heavy penalties for his efforts to live as a free man and artist.
The book draws heavily on his own experiences with the Actors Studio during the production of BLUES FOR MISTER CHARLIE, and hides none of its author's bitterness and pain. "TELL ME HOW LONG THE TRAIN'S BEEN GONE is a masterpiece by one of the best living writers in America. Which is not to say, naturally, that it will comfort or cheer you much" (Thompson). 10.5'' x 9.75''. Original plastic comb-bound paper wrappers. Irregular galley pagination, [2], 1-173. Ink notation to front wrapper. Toning to wrappers and leaf margins, some soil, shadow of former paperclip to front wrapper and title page. Comb intact. (Inventory #: 51920)
The book draws heavily on his own experiences with the Actors Studio during the production of BLUES FOR MISTER CHARLIE, and hides none of its author's bitterness and pain. "TELL ME HOW LONG THE TRAIN'S BEEN GONE is a masterpiece by one of the best living writers in America. Which is not to say, naturally, that it will comfort or cheer you much" (Thompson). 10.5'' x 9.75''. Original plastic comb-bound paper wrappers. Irregular galley pagination, [2], 1-173. Ink notation to front wrapper. Toning to wrappers and leaf margins, some soil, shadow of former paperclip to front wrapper and title page. Comb intact. (Inventory #: 51920)