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Octavo, 436pp. Blue cloth binding with illustrations in black, title in black on spine. This is the first World Publishing Company edition, with "First Printing February 1947" on copyright page. The true first edition was published by Houghton Mifflin in 1946. Solid text block, some fraying to corners of cloth binding, foxing to covers. Internally bright. Paired with the first state dust jacket, $2.50 retail price on front flap, a few chips, sunning to spine, a very good example. Inscribed by the author on the front flyleaf: "For Miss Mary Talbott / Ann Petry / Old Saybrook, Conn. / November 27, 1947." Includes a laid-in ALS written in 1971 from Petry to a Ms. Barbara Rice Jones, thanking her and the PEN America Center for their hospitality. No other copies signed by the author are currently found on the market. Ann Petry (1908-1997) was an influential African American writer best known for this novel, The Street, which explores the challenges faced by a single mother living in Harlem. Her keen observations of race, gender, and urban life in mid-20th-century America are reflected in her compelling narratives, showcasing a deep understanding of social issues. The PEN America Center is a renowned literary organization founded in 1922 that advocates for free expression and defends writers and journalists around the world who are persecuted for their work. Committed to promoting literature, defending human rights, and fostering a community of writers, PEN America plays a crucial role in safeguarding freedom of speech and supporting those who face censorship and oppression.