Waters Edward Turpin. O CANAAN!. New York: Doubleday, Doran & Company, Inc., 1939. Stated first edition. Hardcover. Cloth-covered boards with blind-stamped design on cover and gilt on spine, top edge stained blue. 8vo; [8], 311pp. Bookplate on front paste-down of Dr. W. Edward Farrison, former English professor at North Carolina Central University in Durham. Whiteman p. 46.

8 1/8 x 6 in.

Waters Edward Turpin (1910-1968) was a professor, novelist, and playwright. He is best known for his three novels, all important contributions to the literature of the late Harlem Renaissance. In O Canaan!, his second novel, Turpin tells the story of migrant workers who move north in hope of a new life. "Here, then, is a novel of prime human significance, told with sweep and power, and with a burning conviction" (from jacket). A scarce and important title.

Boards heavily sunned with scattered foxing and light scuffs, two corners slightly bumped, spine with some soiling and light wear at ends including several closed tears, and slight separation from text block; endpapers sunned with offsetting and small stains; pages are extremely crisp and clean with overall light toning, minor offsetting, and very rare small mark; a good copy/lacking jacket with the exception of one flap with price ($2.50) pasted to final free endpaper verso.