The Conquest: The Story of a Negro Pioneer
Lincoln: The Woodruff Press, 1913. First edition. Black and white photographic frontispiece plus 15 other plates (16 in total). Original cloth over boards. Octavo. 311 pages. Bound in light blue cloth over boards with ornamental titling in white to upper board. White spine titles quite faded. Minor extremity rubs. Slightly cocked, hinges sound. Very good to near fine overall.
Scarce, heavily autobiographical first novel by Oscar Micheaux, relating his experiences as a homesteader in Gregory County, South Dakota and the failure of his first marriage. Though published anonymously as by "The Pioneer," with names of characters changed, the protagonist is Oscar Devereaux (Micheaux's middle name).
Micheaux's theme is African Americans realizing their potential in pursuits outside of their accustomed roles. He contrasts the more common city lifestyles of African Americans with the life he chose as a lone Black pioneer in the far West.
Oscar Micheaux would go on to a successful career as a writer, film director, and producer. He is considered the first major African American filmmaker, producing both silent and sound films.
The book is dedicated to Booker T. Washington. Stated "First Edition, May 1, 1913" on copyright page. One of the 1,000 copies reportedly printed.
Important and tough to find book by a true African American pioneer, in every sense of the word.
Ref. BLOCKSON 2640; WHITEMAN p. 36.
Item #1397
Price: $1,250