[AFRICAN AMERICANA]. ANGELOU, Maya (1928-2014). I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. New York: Random House, [1969]. 8vo. [282] pp. Publisher's full black cloth, front board and spine lettered in gilt, spine stamped in red, publisher's unclipped ("$5.95") dust jacket. FIRST EDITION, OF THE AUTHOR'S FIRST BOOK, PRESENTATION COPY, INSCRIBED TO AN IMPORTANT BOOK COLLECTOR ON THE FFEP.: "Joe + Aaronetta Pierce + Family, Thank you for accepting my love and giving me yours in return! Joy! Maya Angelou 4/15/97". 

Minor occasional rubbing, light foxing to edge of text block, previous owner's signature on fp. (not the recipient), light offsetting to endleaves; jacket lightly toned, rubbed, with marginal faint creases, faint soiling. Near fine.