daddy was a number runner

new york: the feminist press, 1986. inscribed by author, 1986

first novel by the american author and activist louise merriweather (1923-2023). "daddy was a number runner" was first published in 1970 with a foreward by james baldwin. this book, which was her most successful work, contains some autobiographical elements drawn from merriweather's experience growing up in harlem during the depression and following the harlem renaissance. selling more than 400,000 copies, it was celebrated by writer paule marshall who said: "the novel's greatest achievement lies in the sense of black life that it conveys: vitality and force behind the despair. It celebrates the positive values behind the black experience: the tenderness and love that often lie underneath the abrasive surfaces of relationships...the humor that has long been an important part of the black survival kit, and the heroism of ordinary folk...a most important novel."

inscribed as follows: "to bill,
thank you for a marvelous intrdouction, pleasure to have met you. louise meriwether, october, 29, 1996."

new york: the feminist press. isbn: 0-935312-57-9. 234 pages. 5.5x8.5". softcover. bound in paper wrappers. book condition: light staining to foot of block. fine.