Invisible Man

New York: Random House, 1952 First edition, first printing. Publisher's black and tan cloth, with decoration to upper spine, white lettering to spine, and black top stain; in the original black pictorial dust jacket designed by E. McKnight Kauffer, lettered in white, yellow and red, with a portrait photo of Ellison to rear panel. Near fine book, with slightly cocked binding, a hint of wear to foot of spine, and bright lettering to spine; very good clipped dust jacket, with bright panels and spine, some shallow chipping to spine ends, a small scratch to spine, some edgewear including a one-inch split along front flap fold, light rubbing to panels, and lightly nicked corners. Overall, a pleasing copy of this classic of American fiction. Invisible Man is a picaresque story about a young and idealistic black man who faces surreal horrors as he journeys through 1940s Harlem. The book details the protagonist's experiences at college, working in a paint factory, and joining the Brotherhood (a thinly veiled allusion to the Communist Party). The title, "Invisible Man," refers to the social invisibility felt by the protagonist because of his race. In a 1952 review of the book, novelist Saul Bellow wrote, "it is an immensely moving novel, and it has greatness." The book won the 1953 U.S. National Book Award for Fiction, making Ellison the first African American to win the award. The book was also included on Time magazine's prestigious list of the 100 Best English-novels from 1923 to 2005.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Near Fine/Dust Jacket Included. (Inventory #: RE004)