The Color Purple
First edition, first printing of Alice Walker's masterpiece, a landmark work of feminist and African-American literature.
A very fine copy with the original first issue dust jacket.
8vo of 245 pages. Publisher’s cloth, silver title on spine, original first-issue dust jacket.
212 x 137 mm.
Walker, Alice. The Color Purple.
Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, New York, 1982.
First edition, first printing of Alice Walker’s masterpiece, a landmark work of feminist and African American literature.
First edition statement present, alongside B C D E letter-line.
Original first-issue DJ with $11.95 price intact on DJ flap AND only one address on the rear DJ flap. Later DJs added a San Diego address that is not present on the first printing DJs.
A groundbreaking novel by Alice Walker published in 1982, winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, The Color Purple explores the lives of African American women in rural Georgia in the early twentieth century. This novel has become a cultural touchstone, sparking significant debate about race, gender, and resilience.
Despite critical acclaim, The Color Purple has been the subject of controversy, frequently appearing on lists of banned or challenged books. However, such censorship has not diminished its impact. The book continues to resonate with readers worldwide, offering a poignant exploration of the human spirit’s ability to flourish and transform in the face of adversity. *The Color Purple* has inspired film and stage adaptations, including a movie directed by Steven Spielberg in 1985 and a Broadway musical.
The Color Purple explores the nuances of African American life, with a focus on the struggles and resilience of women in the early twentieth century.
The story centers on Celie, a young Black woman who overcomes years of abuse and neglect to find her own empowerment. Rooted in the tradition of African American literature, the novel addresses profound themes such as racial and gender oppression, female sexuality, and the process of healing.
Born in 1944 in rural Georgia, Alice Walker overcame poverty and racism to become a leading figure in African American literature. She was the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1983.
Alice Walker’s writings often explore themes of race, gender, and social inequality. Her style blends realism with elements of spirituality and folklore drawn from her Southern roots. As an activist, Alice Walker became involved in the civil rights movement, feminism, and environmental advocacy. She coined the term “womanism” to describe a form of feminism centered on women of color. Over a career spanning more than five decades, Alice Walker has received numerous awards for her literary achievements and activism. Her work continues to be widely read and studied for its poignant explorations of the African American experience.
Beautiful copy of the first edition of this American literary masterpiece, with the original dust jacket.
