AND THEN WE HEARD THE THUNDER.

New York:: Alfred A. Knopf,, 1963.. Hardcover first edition -. Near fine in red cloth with gilt lettering on the spine, light blue tinting to top edge in a a fair only dust jacket with a large chip at the top of the spine extending to the back cover, over tears and edgewear, rear flap almost separated and toning to the dj, especially the back cover (original price of 5.95 still present).. First printing. The second novel by this important author, founder of the Harlem Writers Guild, civil rights activist and educator. Like all of his books this was based on Killen's own experiences - "he joined the Army early in the war and never got his law degree. Instead, inspired by his years in the service and the discrimination he encountered there, he embarked on a career as writer and political activist. He helped found the Harlem Writers Guild in 1950 and came under the influence of W.E.B. Du Bois. What the black men affirm in this novel is their manhood and their right to assert it, by violent protest if necessary. [This novel expressed] the emotions felt by countless thousands of black men who volunteered or were drafted to fight for this country during World War II, not to mention Korea and Vietnam: pride in their country and themselves, fury at being sent into battle at the back of the bus. Those who survived brought their anger and determination home with them, and it was upon this foundation that the civil rights movement in large measure was built. This was one of the first books to articulate the rage and frustration these men felt, and as such it is a document of considerable historical and cultural importance." (Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post) Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize (none was awarded that year). 485 pp.