New York: Simon & Schuster, (1989) dj. SIGNED hardcover first edition - The author's first novel, set in Harlem in the 1920s, during the period known as the Harlem Renaissance. "He captures the fervor of post-World War I black optimism, contrasted by rampant racial bigotry, while chronicling the lives of three sisters: Velma, Barnard graduate and aspiring writer; Miriam, indefatigable activist for back-to-Africa nationalist Marcus Garvey; and Louise, whose fair skin leads her to the Cotton Club and show business." (Publisher's Weekly) Warmly and personally INSCRIBED on the front endpaper and dated 12 March 89, in the year of publication. 447 pp. ISBN: 0-671658840.