The Story of Dorothy Stanfield

Micheaux, Oscar. Book Supply Company, New York, 1946. Written by the most prolific black filmmaker in American cinema, this is a novel of violence, sex and crime. Micheaux pushed the envelope for this time period by depicting Blacks not as menials but as fully rounded characters. A preface by the author explains why his works, although widely read, are ignored by the reviewers...mainly because he breaks the taboos concerning Blacks in literature. The book is the deluxe edition, hardbound in maroon cloth with gold lettering on the front and spine. The dust jacket has a "pulp fiction" feel to the illustration and "Daring and Sensational" printed on the front. The preface is repeated on the rear and overflap of the dust jacket. Illustrated endpapers in the front depict a street scene in Memphis, the story's setting. Full color frontispiece. The book is good and clean with slightly bent spine at top and bottom and a slight mustiness. The dust jacket is slightly chipped at the edges and rubbed on the front, but still striking.