Josephina Niggli's "Mexican Folk Plays" Signed First Edition 1938

Josephina Niggli

First Edition

[Mexican Literature] Niggli, Josephina. Edited with an introduction by Frederick H. Koch. Mexican Folk Plays. University of North Carolina Press. 1938. First Edition. 8vo, pp223. Bound in yellow cloth board. No dust jacket. Signed by Frederick H. Koch on front cover. "For my fellow playmates. Harry and Ora Doris with appreciation always Frederick H. Koch 1938." Illustrated with black and white photographs of original productions of the plays. Five one act plays concerning a rich telling of Mexican heritage and culture written directly after the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Niggli, a Mexican American woman born in 1910, was the first Mexican American to write about Mexican themes in English. Her progressive views of gender and race helped spearhead later Chicana feminist movements. This work includes the perspective concerning "soldaderas" who were women in the military who participated in the conflict of the Mexican Revolution, ranging from commanding officers to combatants to camp followers. Beyond politics, there are moments of romance, comedic relief, and everyday vignettes of life in rural Mexico. A seminal series of collected works offering early 20th century perspective on a significant cultural identity. One of her novels, Mexican Village, was adapted into a major film. Niggli went on to write for Hollywood for some time as well, although she was largely uncredited for her work. Her writings created the foundation for later Latino/Latina & Chicano/Chicana feminists in the mid to late 20th century. Minor edge wear at top and base of spine. Binding tight. A few pencil annotations throughout. Overall very good condition.

Item #20014

Price: $245.00