ALEX HALEY INSCRIBES "ROOTS" TO BOXER JOE LOUIS
(1921-1992) American novelist, author of the epic fictional history of a black family, "Roots". Excellent association signed and inscribed book, a first edition copy of Haley's "Roots: The Saga of an American Family", published by Doubleday in 1976. On the front flyleaf, Haley pens a long, warm dedication to legendary boxer JOE LOUIS (1914-1981) and his wife Martha. In full: "For Joe and Martha Louis - a pair of true champions, a pair of beautiful human beings - with the very warmest wishes and admiration from me and the whole Roots family of Kunta Kinte!" Haley adds the date March 25, 1979 at the top of the page and signes at the bottom. The book is missing its dust cover, and the rear cover is detached from the spine but held on by the rear pastedown. The Louis' son, Joe Louis Barrow Jr., has added an ownership inscription along the top edge of the text block, indicating that the book was kept in the household and well-read by the Louis family. An excellent relic.