Up From Slavery. An Autobiography.

WASHINGTON, Booker T.

Item Number: 130649

New York: Doubleday, Page, 1901.

First edition of Booker T. Washington’s landmark biography. Octavo, original cloth, illustrated. With a autographed note signed by Washington to the front free endpaper, which reads, “We lift ourselves up in profusion as we lift others, we degrade ourselves in profusion as neglect or orphan others, Booker T. Washington Oct. 20, 1901.” In near fine condition, bookplate to the front pastedown. An exceptional example, rare and desirable as a first edition and signed.

Booker T. Washington was an African-American teacher, author, presidential advisor, and civil-rights leader. Born in Virginia in 1856, Washington was of the last generation born into slavery. After emancipation, Washington attended college in Virginia, and gained fame as a result of his 1895 speech about the importance of educating African Americans and his belief that African Americans were capable of great feats through education. Washington s contribution to educational equality was made greater by his influence in the social circles of millionaires and self-starters, and he was the first African American invited to the White House by President Theodore Roosevelt. Washington’s Up From Slavery is listed among the most widely read autobiographies. It was originally published as a serial in the Outlook Magazine… and was ultimately published in more than 12 languages” (Blockson 51). "It remains one of the most important works on such an influential African-American leader" (Delia Crutchfield Cook). Listed by Modern Library as one of the greatest English-language nonfiction books of the 20th century.