New York: Random House, no date (ca. 1952). Third Printing. Presentation copy, inscribed by Ellison on title-page for American photographer Arnold Newman: "For Arnold-The artist who manages, again and again to express himself through that imperious instrument, the camera--With an admiration that harbors on envy Sincerely, Ralph Ellison". 8vo. Publisher's black and white pictorial cloth, stamped in white and in grey, slightly cocked, boards soiled and moderately worn, spine darkened, red paint stroke applied to lower spine, spine ends frayed; top edge stained grey; "Arnold Newman" in blue ink on front free endpaper; wear in bottom corner of pp. 403-414; dust-jacket wanting.

Presentation copy of Ralph Ellison's acclaimed novel, his first and only work published during his lifetime. Inscribed to his friend, American photographer Arnold Newman. Newman photographed Ellison in 1953, following the latter's winning of the National Book Award for Fiction for this very title (this book a possible gift to Newman after that session)--the first African American to win the award.