Roots. by HALEY, Alex - 1976

Doubleday, New York., 1976. First edition. A 587 page novel. Cloth-backed boards.Presentation copy from the author, inscribed on the front free endpaper: ''November 12, 1976 - Decca, lovely, talented, dedicated friend and colleague - who has helped me to sweat this book through - the family of Kunta Kinte wishes the very warmest best to you and Bob and your family.. With brotherly love! Alex Haley''. The recipient is Jessica Mitford, writer, academic, activist and, of course, one of the Mitford sisters. ''Bob'' is the civil rights lawyer Robert Neuhaft with whom she had two sons. Mitford was closely involved in the civil rights movement of the sixties, which is presumably when she met Alex Haley. Maya Angelou was another of her close friends. Interestingly enough, J.K. Rowling states that Mitford had the most influence on her writing, so much so that she named one her children Jessica.Tail of spine slightly bumped. Near fine in slightly marked dustwrapper with a small chip.