Maya Angelou's Presidential Inaugural Poem On the Pulse of Morning, First Hardcover Edition.

Maya Angelou

First Edition

ANGELOU, Maya. On the Pulse of Morning. New York: Random House. 1993. First Hardcover Edition. 16mo. 16 pages. Original blue cloth boards and gilt text on spine. Original grey and blue dust jacket. This original poem was read at U.S. President Bill Clinton's first inauguration on the 20th of January 1993 by Angelou. This marked her as the first woman and African American to read a poem at a presidential inauguration, as well as the second poet. The post Civil Rights poem's themes are that of reconciliation, inclusivity, and a push for progress. This symbolism mirrored Clinton's speech as he discussed unity despite the country's vast diversity. Angelou was already a renowned autobiographer at the time but her poem at Clinton's inauguration broadened her audience and reach as a poet. After this poem went to print, the sales of her works increased by 1200% compared to the previous year. The audio recording of the poem won Angelou the "Best Spoken Word" Grammy Award in 1994. Some minor wear to dust jacket with a small tear to the front. Not price clipped. Text and pages are clean. Overall very good condition.

Item #20657

Price: $125.00