Hughes' third collection of stories about the character Jesse B. Semple ("Simple"). Simple first appeared in Hughes' column for the Chicago Defender in 1943, writing stories that were at once comic, humane, critical, and insightful. Through his Simple stories, Hughes created stories that were at once comic, humane, critical, and insightful -- using them to attack or reflect the conditions of African-Americans at the time. "He was eloquent and clear – and no injustice escaped his literary wrath. To some, this column was Hughes’ most powerful and relevant work." (Chicago Literary Hall of Fame). Hughes continued writing this column for twenty years, and his Simple stories were ultimately gathered together in a series of short story collections, beginning with Simple Speaks His Mind in 1950. This first printing of Simple Takes a Wife (1953) is inscribed by Hughes to a "Maude Lassiter".

Octavo, 240 pages. In Very Good condition. Spine green with black and red lettering. Boards show light bumping to corners, and fore spine edge has been repaired with tape. Textblock has moderate water staining to lower fore edge of text block (not impacting text), with light to moderate age toning to edges and to pages throughout interiorly. Inscribed by Hughes on the front free end page: "From / Langston Hughes / To / Maude [initial] Lassiter / May 5, 1953". Stated first printing. Shelved in Case 2.