The Black American Travel Guide

San Francisco, California: Straight Arrow Books, 1971. First Edition. Near Fine/Very Good+. First edition, first printing. A fantastic association copy, signed by Bob Hayes on a preliminary blank and warmly inscribed, "8-4-71 Dick Meltzer; There are friends and associates who spend every moment giving you advice; then there is Dick Meltzer who opens his door and shares. When I needed to know that a pro appreciated my ambitions, you responded loud and clear. Thanks for keeping your door open & helping when I needed help and guidance. That I could never buy nor can I ever forget. You're tops with me, and I'll hope you'll stay close as I move on to (truncated) brighter concepts & meaningful fulfillments of some lifetime dreams. Thanks Dick. Hope you like the book." Richard Meltzer (b.1945) was an American rock critic, writer and songwriter. He is considered by some rock historians to be the first to write real analysis of rock and roll and is credited with inventing "rock criticism". Straight Arrow Press was a publishing company that printed Rolling Stone magazine. Meltzer wrote for Rolling Stone at the time of publication. Bound in publisher's black leatherette boards with spine lettered in gilt. Near Fine with contents tanned in a Very Good+ price-clipped dust jacket with fading to spine, slight creasing to panels, moderate edge wear, tape repairs and toning to verso. An important travel guide for African Americans in the aftermath of the Civil Rights Movement. Hayes was an activist who owned a travel company that served black customers called The Other Brothers. Most travel guides for African Americans had ceased publication by the dawn of the 60's; the most famous guide being The Negro Motorist Green Book. Hayes' thought it absolutely essential for the safety and comfort of his clients and customers that a book like this should exist, even in the early 70's. (Inventory #: 140946506)