Deep River; an Interpretation of Negro Spirituals
Mills College, CA: Eucalyptus Press, 1945. First Edition. Octavo. Item #031029
39 pages. A near fine copy in a near fine dust jacket of the scarce first edition of one of Howard Thurman's most important books. He shows the outlook of the slaves and how it was interpreted in preaching. His profound views here argued that the slaves from Africa took over a false mutilated gospel from their masters. He writes that in their desperation they discovered the deeper meanings that "the master had profaned in their midst". He argues that genuine Christianity will be discovered where the poor as well as the poor in spirit wrestle with the artificiality of most organized churches. His discussion of Deep River as the richest of spirituals is profound. Bound in blue paper covered boards lettered in gilt, spine plain, mild darkening to board edges in unclipped brown dust jacket lettered in black, tiny edge tears to upper edge near head. A very nice copy.
Price: $650.00