Langston Hughes' debut novel, released in 1930, is a semi-autobiographical story about an African-American family living in Kansas during the 1910s. The setting and many of the characters are based on Hughes' experiences growing up in Lawrence, Kansas. This first edition, first printing copy is inscribed by Hughes on the front free end paper in his characteristic green ink, and dated September 29, 1959.

Octavo, 324 pages. In Good minus condition with no dust jacket. Bound in publisher's decorated light brown cloth with black titling to spine. Moderate shelf wear and rubbing, spine with toning and some staining, head and tail both fraying, bumping to corners, small line of worming to front cover. Interior with some mild age toning and finger smudges, bookplate to front pastedown offsetting onto front free end paper. Stamp reading 'first edition' to copyright page. JR Consignment. Shelved in Case 2.