New York: Simon & Schuster, (1950.) dj. First edition - The first of the 'Simple' books which began as a series of columns in the Chicago Defender during World War II, columns which were,according to Hughes, based on actual conversations Hughes heard or overheard, the ordinary working man of Harlem discussing everything from World War II to love, usually in terms of race -and with the humor embodied in the blues line 'I'm laughing to keep from crying.' This is the Simon and Schuster's Readers Edition, which they describe as an experiment in publishing - it is a new book, issued at just $1 because it has thinner paper, a soft cover binding and a large printing, although they note that the hardcover is available at $3.00. 231 pp. plus 1 pp about the author.