Along This Way; The Autobiography of James Weldon Johnson

New York: The Viking Press, 1934. First Edition, Third Printing. Cloth. Near fine/very good. Signed first edition, third printing of Along This Way: The Autobiography of James Weldon Johnson.. Octavo, 418pp. Red cloth, title in gilt on spine. Stated "Third Printing, January 1934" on copyright page. Solid text block, faint toning to endpapers, a near fine example. In the publisher's dust jacket, $3.50 retail price on front flap, a few closed tears and small losses along top edge. Inscribed on the front free endpaper: "For Joseph Van Vleck Jr. / with sincere and personal regard / James Weldon Johnson / November 23, 1934." James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was a multifaceted American writer, educator, lawyer, diplomat, and civil rights activist. He is best known for his leadership within the NAACP, his contributions to African American literature with works such as "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" (1912), and for co-authoring the iconic anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing." Johnson also made significant impacts as a U.S. consul in Latin America and as a professor at Fisk University, advocating tirelessly for racial equality and cultural recognition throughout his career.