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A satirical and formally inventive Civil War novel widely regarded as one of Ishmael Reed's most important works. The story follows Raven Quickskill, an enslaved poet whose satirical verse sparks an escape from a Virginia plantation toward freedom in Canada. Reed blends historical narrative with modern language, metafiction, and sharp political humor, collapsing past and present to critique American myths surrounding slavery, race, and national identity. Published during the height of Reed's literary influence, Flight to Canada remains a landmark of postmodern African-American literature and is frequently cited alongside his earlier novel Mumbo Jumbo. Bound in publisher's brown paper-covered boards with black cloth spine stamped in gilt. The copyright page states 'First Edition,' confirming the 1976 Random House first printing. The dust jacket retains the original price $6.95 and rear panel code 9/76, consistent with the correct first issue jacket. Condition: Book Very Good, with institutional provenance but notably cleaner than typical ex-library copies. Montgomery County Library stamps appear on the title and copyright pages and ghosting on top and side edge. Front and rear pastedowns remain adhered in standard library format, but there is no evidence of removed card pockets, date slips, spine labels, or circulation wear, suggesting the volume may never have circulated and was possibly retained in reference or special collections. Author inscription in blue ink on the title page ('For Betty - Ishmael Reed'). Text block clean with mild age toning; binding firm and square. Boards show light edgewear and minor rubbing. Dust jacket Very Good, unclipped, with light edgewear and small creases but no major tears. Ishmael Reed (b. 1938) is an influential American novelist, poet, playwright, and essayist known for his satirical and postmodern literary style. A founder of the Before Columbus Foundation and longtime professor at the University of California, Berkeley, Reed gained international recognition for novels such as Mumbo Jumbo (1972) and Flight to Canada (1976), works that challenge conventional historical narratives and explore African-American cultural identity through humor, myth, and experimental storytelling.
Seller Inventory # F.REE.1976.1
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