Nella Larsen. PASSING. New York & London: Alfred A. Knopf, 1929. First edition, first printing; with date on title page and title verso, and no additional printings listed. Signed "Nella Larsen" on first free endpaper. Hardcover. Publisher's black cloth-covered boards with orange, stamped in silver, top edge stained red. 8vo; [10], 215, [2]pp. Name/bookplate of previous owners Dr. W. Edward Farrison and Dr. Perry on paste-downs, both former English professors at North Carolina Central University in Durham. Whiteman p. 33; Perry 370.

7 11/16 x 5 3/8 in.

Nella Larsen (1891-1964) was an important writer during the Harlem Renaissance, publishing both books and short stories. While successful, Larsen stopped writing in the 1930s. Passing, her second and final novel, was adapted into a movie of the same name in 2021. Renewed interest in her and her work is also evident in the obituary the The New York Times wrote for her in 2018.

Boards with light scuffs and stains, edgewear, white marks on lower board, and corners heavily rubbed and bumped; chipping to silver lettering on upper board, spine with faded lettering and wear/fraying at head and tail, slight separation from text block; offsetting from bookplate, faded/washed date and signature of Claire Violet De Montagut (likely the poet) on half-title; pages lightly toned with occasional chipping at lower edge, finger grime, or small stain; several corners with small stain or bent with closed tear, occasional cracking at gutter. A good copy/lacking jacket.