Poems of Cabin and Field

Author: Dunbar, Paul Laurence

Publisher: Dodd & Mead

Edition: First Edition, First Printing

Condition: Very Good
Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket.

Pictorial Green Cloth of a Decorative design by Alice Morse with her initial-signature of pink flowers on green vines in a symmetrical art-nouveau design with gilted lettering on the front with a similar treatment on the spine. Top edge gilt. Octavo, 8.75 inches tall; 125 pages; illustrated with historical 19th century b/w photographs from the Hampton Institute Camera Club on illustrated leaves by Alice Morse. The bindings are tight and square. Text is clean; light, even age-toning. Moderate shelf handling wear with modest sun-fading of the cloth a bit heavier on the spine.  Previous owner’s inscription on the front paste-down in pencil. Lacks the rare dust jacket. The decorative cover design by Alice Morse for Poems of Cabin and Field by Paul Dunbar is known for its intricate and evocative style. Alice Morse was known for her detailed and symbolic designs, often incorporating elements that resonated with the themes and settings of the poetry. In the case of Dunbar’s work, which often explored themes of African American life and culture. This is the first of Dunbar’s six well-known poetry books a compelling collection of verse that explores the African American experience during the late 19th century, offering an intimate window into the lives of both the rural and urban black community. Dunbar, one of the first African American poets to gain national recognition, crafts a work deeply imbued with the struggles, hopes, and dreams of his people, drawing on his own experiences growing up in Ohio. Dunbar masterfully blends African American vernacular with formal poetic structures, drawing on both Southern and Northern dialects. His versatility allows him to convey a wide range of emotions, from sorrow to joy, with depth and precision. Poems of Cabin and Field combines pathos and humor, offering a poignant voice for the African American community during a critical period in U.S. history. The collection is split into two sections—Cabin and Field—each reflecting different aspects of the African American experience. Cabin explores rural life, resilience, and spiritual connections, while Field addresses broader social and political struggles in urban settings, focusing on themes of freedom, equality, and identity. Both sections convey complex emotions and the realities of oppression. [Adapted from sources]