First US paperback edition of Baldwin's "criminally underrated" (Weekes) fourth novel about the life of a Black actor.
Near fine.
Price: $50.00
"Everyone wishes to be loved, but, in the event, nearly no one can bear it."
TELL ME is the story of Black actor Leo Proudhammer, his brilliant career shadowed by the condescension, alienation, and physical threats visited on him by a white America that will tolerate him only so far as he entertains, and which exacts heavy penalties for his efforts to live as a free man and artist.
The book draws heavily on his own experiences with the Actors Studio during the production of BLUES FOR MISTER CHARLIE, and hides none of its author's bitterness and pain. "TELL ME HOW LONG THE TRAIN'S BEEN GONE is a masterpiece by one of the best living writers in America. Which is not to say, naturally, that it will comfort or cheer you much" (Thompson).
(New York): Dell, (1969). 7'' x 4.25''. Original color pictorial wrappers, Dell 8581, cover price $1.25. All edges stained green. Publisher's ads at rear. [12], 370, [2] pages. Light soil to wrappers, some toning to spine.
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