The Movement. Inscribed by Danny Lyon. Text by Lorraine Hansberry. First Edition, First Printing, Softcover Issue. Simon & Schuster. New York, 1964.

In 1964, the Civil Rights Movement was at its peak. For over a decade, sit-ins, protests, and marches had culminated in national support and the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It was a monumental achievement, one hard-earned by facing the dangers of an oppressive, racist system in America. In this volume, photographer Danny Lyon and several others provide exceptional images from those fraught and courageous years. The photographic history is paired with text by acclaimed Black author Lorraine Hansberry, best known for her play Raisin in the Sun. This photobook is significant for a number of reasons. For one, it was one of Lorraine Hansberry’s few departures from writing plays. She took part in its production to support the Movement. For two, it is Danny Lyon’s first published photobook. He went on to become one of the most celebrated photographers of the twentieth century. Finally, it is one of the earliest photographic histories of the Civil Rights Movement ever published. Through its photographs and text, it captures the poverty, segregation, and oppression of the Jim Crow South like no texts before it.

This first edition, first printing is inscribed by Lyon on the flyleaf. It is in very good condition. In the original wrappers, very good with some creases, chipping, and rubbing to edges. Text block fine. 

A scarce inscribed first printing of The Movement.