About this Item
Rare true first edition of the controversial autobiography of Reverend Morgon London Latta. IMPORTANCE Born into slavery from a background of poverty from which he successfully emerged, Latta is a polarizing historical figure. In some circles, Latta is recognized in as an important leader in Black education during post-Reconstruction. For others, he is a fraudulent schemer whose autobiography was found to be filled with falsehoods and exaggerations of the truth that were used to exploit Northerners into donating to fund his university, Latta University, donations largely misappropriated for personal use - a scandal which ultimately shut down Latta university and tarnished his image. Condition- VG - ex-library. (Note: I rarely sell ex-library but a true first edition of this infamous and fascinating "autobiography" rarely comes up for sale. All other copies I currently see listed (as of this posting) as first editions are actually the 1923-24 reprint. This copy would be a $3-5k book if not ex-library. ABOUT THE BOOK Self-published in 1903 by the author in Raleigh, North Carolina. True first edition, first printing as indicated by green cloth with brown, black and gilt pictorial decorated top cover with the central image of a rural cabin scene and the correct 371 total pages (the reprint of 1923-1924 with the 1903 copyright was significantly expanded to 600 pages). Octavo, 8 3/8" x 6", 371 pp. Black and white photo illustrations. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rev. Morgan London Latta L.L.D. (1853 -1937) was an African American educator who operated a fraudulent scheme to solicit and misappropriate funds. He founded Latta University in Raleigh, North Carolina and used it to exploit the goodwill of Northern donors during the post-Reconstruction era. Despite the exposure for his criminal misconduct which brought an end to his school and standing, Latta's legacy continues to be commemorated in Raleigh as a pioneer in Black education. Latta founded Latta University in Oberlin Village, an antebellum enclave established by free Blacks in West Raleigh. Latta University received its official incorporation on February 15, 1894, following the acquisition of land in Oberlin Village and fundraising efforts to finance its construction, a process spanning three years. Latta traveled across the North, making speeches and fundraising for the university. Despite numerous primary accounts and documents revealing his autobiography to be false, it played a crucial role in his fundraising efforts and, decades later, in establishing his legacy. In 2019, Morgan Latta was inducted into the Raleigh Hall of Fame stating "Reverend Latta's history and legacy continues to inspire children from all backgrounds through programming by the City of Raleigh and the Latta House Foundation." CONDITION REPORT VERY GOOD - ex-library. Library numbering stamp on spine, stamp on bottom of introduction page and rear pastedown with the library card and pocket for Hartford Public Library in Connecticut. The book was donated to the library by Henry J. Belden. His name appears on the gift bookplate of the library, and his name is signed in pencil on the introduction page. Front board a bit loose. Sun-faded spine. Rubbed extremities. Corners bumped, several large stains on back board and top text block edge. Mildly rubbed top cover. Lightly toned pages. Darkening and cracked gutter between two pictures preceding title page. Some creasing, a few bent page corners. Text block is clean and bright. Only a few light finger smudges along the margins. All in all, a very scarce example of the true first edition, an important and controversial historical book.
Seller Inventory # 250806003
Contact seller
Report this item
