THE AFRICAN SAGA. Translated from L'Anthologie Negre by Margery Bianco

New York: Pason and Clarke Ltd., 1927. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Dust Jacket Included. 1st Edition. Hardcover. First American Edition. First English Language Edition originally published in Paris as Anthologie Negre*, in 1921. Introduction, foreword with table of the 591 languages & dialects of Africa, extensive bibliography. Lg. 8vo., pp.378, dialect key map ep's, black topstain, stunning African inspired & designed black & ochre printed cloth with small decorative illustrations in-text. This is a fine copy [neat name on the half title] in a very good example of the rare matching design dustwrapper showing very light use [spine slightly darkened, minor chips at the extremities & a 1" shallow horizontal chip at the top of the rear panel]. Contains 103 original folk-tales, compiled from all over Africa, all of which were chosen by one of the 20th century's most important French poets. The translator, Margery Bianco was Margery (Bianco) Williams, author of "The Velveteen Rabbit." A major undertaking & acknowledged masterpiece, this volume brings to the English speaking world, for the very first time, the rich & sensitive images gathered from the Bantu, Haussa, Hottentot, Sumali & others. "And so in this anthology we have not only the wit & wisdom of Africa but the soul of a people which may be judged by the criteria of pure letters" - from the intro. by Arthur B. Spingarn. An important work by this master traveler, cubist, poet & novelist who impacted directly on the thinking of Max Jacob, Apollinaire, Cocteau & Andre Salmon with his innovative poetic techniques & revolutionary observations. A handsome & important production indeed. * Talvart And Place, Vol. II, Pp. 333 # 12.