TELL ME HOW LONG THE TRAIN'S BEEN GONE

New York: The Dial Press, 1968. Near fine in very good plus jacket.. First edition, review copy with publisher's slip laid in, 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). 8.25'' x 5.5''. Original cream cloth, brown-lettered spine. In original unclipped ($5.95) color typographic dust jacket with design by Paul Bacon Studio, photo of Baldwin by Sedat Pakay on rear panel. [8], 484, [2] pages. Publisher's printed review slip, with price ("$5.95") and publication date ("June 3, 1968" with "3" crossed out and replaced with "6" in black ink), laid in. Jacket with toning to spine and front panel top- and fore-edge margins, one short closed tear to front panel. Slight bumping to spine foot of jacket and book. Book with light toning to spine.