I KNOW WHY THE CAGED BIRD SINGS

New York: Random House, 1969. First edition. Near fine in a near fine jacket.. First printing of the transformative autobiography that traces Angelou's struggles and triumphs growing up as a Black girl. The first of five literary autobiographies by Angelou, CAGED BIRD focuses on the author's inner experiences, contrasted with the pains and oppressions of her environment – and how Angelou finds healing in part through embracing herself. In this it achieves one of the ultimate goals of memoir: it is both beautiful and true. A landmark in American autobiography, and one of the greatest books of the 1960s. 8.25'' x 5.25''. Original black cloth, gilt-lettered front board, gilt- and metallic red-lettered spine. In original unclipped ($5.95) orange and black pictorial dust jacket designed by Janet Halverson. Red topstain. [6], 281, [1] pages. Jacket with a small closed tear at the rear spine-fold with small light diagonal crease. Faint foxing top edge of verso of jacket only. Book with very slight lean. Else bright and sharp overall.