Fine Books & Manuscripts

[BLACK AMERICAN] HANSBERRY, Loraine (1930–1965). The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, [inscribed by Robert Nemiroff]. New York: Random House, [1965]. 8vo. FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINTING. Publisher’s black cloth backed boards, original dust jacket price clipped (lightly chipped at ends and corners). Previous bookplate of Charles Belous, to whom the inscription is for. PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY HANSBERRY’S HUSBAND: “For Charles Belous- You are in these pages, one of those who helped to prove again why the author had the confidence in us all to achieve and write as she did. In deepest gratitude, Bob Nemiroff”. Dated “June 2, 1965”, six months after the author passed away. Nemiroff was not only Hansberry’s husband, but also wrote the introduction to this text and was the recipient of the dedication from the author. The inscription was written to Deputy County Attorney of Nassau County and prior leader of the La Guardia-Fusion movement, who Hansberry writes “saw in the play a great new affirmation of independent, reform city politics and circularized former leaders of the party”. Lorraine Hansberry was the first African American female author to have a play performed on Broadway.