Poems of Cabin and Field [First Edition] [Alice Morse Binding] [Hampton Institute Camera Club Illustrations]

Dunbar, Paul Laurence (1872 1906) ; Morse, Alice Designer

Published by Dodd & Mead, New York, 1899

About this Item

A foundational work of African American literature, this first of Dunbar s six illustrated poetry volumes captures the post-Reconstruction Black experience through a unique collaboration of dialect poetry, avant-garde photography, and Art Nouveau book design. KEY FEATURES +++ Visuals: Illustrated throughout with photographs by the Hampton Institute Camera Club, set within elaborate decorative borders by Alice Morse. +++ Binding: Decorative green cloth featuring a symmetrical Art Nouveau design of pink flowers and vines by Alice Morse (signed with her 'AM' monogram). Gilt-stamped titles to front and spine; top edge gilt. +++ Content: A landmark collection blending African American vernacular with formal poetic structures, exploring the dichotomy between rural resilience and urban identity. +++ Associated Names: Features the photography of the Hampton Institute Camera Club, a pioneering effort in Black documentary photography. +++ Imprint: First Edition, First Printing. Printed by University Press: John Wilson and Son. +++ Specs: 8.75 inches tall / 125 pages. CONDITION: Good+ -- Bindings are tight and square. Internal text is clean with light, even age-toning. Moderate shelf handling wear with sun-fading to the perimeter cloth, appearing more pronounced on the spine. Previous owner s pencil inscription on the front paste-down. Lacks the scarce dust jacket. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE -- Paul Laurence Dunbar was the first African American poet to achieve national superstardom. 'Poems of Cabin and Field' represents a critical moment in American publishing where Black creative expression was paired with the highest standards of the Arts and Crafts movement. The volume is a 'total work of art' involving Alice Morse, one of the era s most prolific female designers, and the Hampton Institute Camera Club. By placing Dunbar's dialect verse alongside dignified photographic portraits of Black life, the book challenged contemporary stereotypes and provided a sophisticated visual and literary record of the struggles and joys of the Black community at the turn of the century. SUBJECTS Paul Laurence Dunbar, African American Poetry, Alice Morse, Art Nouveau Binding, Hampton Institute, Black Photography, 19th Century Literature, Dialect Poetry, African Americana, Poetry, Illustrated Book, Book Design.

Seller Inventory # 20778

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Poems of Cabin and Field [First Edition] [Alice Morse Binding] [Hampton Institute Camera Club Illustrations]
• Publisher: Dodd & Mead, New York
• Publication Date: 1899
• Edition: First Edition, First Printing.
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket.
• Seller catalogs:
  • LITERATURE [Many Sub-Catagories]
  • AMERICAN DECORATED CLOTH BINDINGS
  • AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES