The Great White Hope: A Play.

SACKLER, Howard. [Jack Johnson].

$600.00

Item Number: 140735

New York: The Dial Press, Inc, 1968.

First edition of the author’s Pulitzer and Tony award-winning play based on the career of heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, basis for the 1970 film. Octavo, original cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the front free endpaper, “For Iris – with great affection & continual gratitude – Howard.” Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Jacket design by Lynn Hatfield. Author photograph by Michael Wallis. Uncommon signed and inscribed.

Based on the tumultuous career of African American heavyweight champion Jack Johnson, The Great White Hope had its World Premiere at the Arena Stage in December, 1967 and debuted on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre in October 1968 with James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander in the lead roles. The play won the 1969 Tony Award for Best Play and the 1969 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.