HUGHES, Langston (1901-1967). Simple Takes a Wife. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1953.

8vo. (Toning as often.) Original laminated printed boards (some minor chipping to lamination, slightly rubbed). Provenance: William P. and Alice D. Mahoney (presentation inscription); by descent to present owner.

FIRST EDITION, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED BY HUGHES: “For Bill and Alice – on my first (and very happy) visit to your home. Sincerely, Langston. Phoenix, June 4-5, 1953.”

Alice Doyle Mahoney, niece of Noël Sullivan, first met Langston Hughes at gatherings at her uncle’s home at Hollow Hills in California’s Carmel valley. By 1953, her husband, William Mahoney, had been elected County Attorney in Phoenix. Hughes visited the Mahoneys at their Phoenix home in June 1953. “A grove of orange tress glittered and green leaves crowded to the window of his room where he stayed for a few days ‘of real summer sun’…. On a small ranch within the city limits, the Mahoneys and their lively young children lived what seemed to Langston a blissfully idyllic life, with a brood of Arabian horses and playful dogs and an open generous approach to life – ‘such gone (be-bop) Mahoneys!’ he wrote in admiration. ‘I love them.’” (Rampersad, Life, Vol. II, p.227).


Fine African Americana from the Collections of Noël Sullivan & William P. and Alice D. Mahoney