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New York: Negro History Associates, Inc., 1967. 8vo (10.25" x 9.75"), pictorial paperboard front cover, mottled papperboard back cover, black cloth spine. 73 pp., [2] pp. of ads. 32 b&w illustrations (one bound-in upside down), 2 maps.

Stated second edition, inscribed by the author to ‘radical’ congressman Bill Ryan as follows: "To Bill Ryan for his courage, integrity and consistency. Best wishes M. A. "Spike" Harris 2/5/68."

Harris’s ‘tour’ consists of a preface entitled, “Meet Uncle Spike, the Negro History Detective,” an introduction, and the following nine chapters revealing African American history throughout the Big Apple: Old City Vicinity from Battery Park; City Hall and Vicinity; Greenwich Village Vicinity; Who? What? Where 1740; Union Square – Madison Square and Vicinity; Times Square and Nearby Vicinity; Radio City Vicinity; Central Park and Vicinity; Harlem – Morningside – Washington Heights Vicinity, and Postscript. The illustrations are a mixture of contemporary and historical images. A two-page catalog of filmstrips, booklets, and photos available from Negro History Associates, Inc. appears at the back.

Middleton Allen Harris graduated from Howard University in 1931 with a B.A. in sociology and obtained a Master's degree in social work from Fordham in 1965. From 1931 to 1972 he served as a parole officer for the New York State Executive Department, Division of Parole. Harris died in 1977. As noted by the New York Public Library (which has part of the Harris archive): “ Harris was an author, collector, dealer and historian of African Americana and related research material. He was a founder of the Negro History Associates (conceived in 1963) whose purpose was to educate the public and school children about the role of African Americans in American history. NHA fulfilled its purpose by producing films, erecting commemorative tablets, creating and maintaining traveling exhibits, publishing books, and related activities.”

William Ryan (1922–1972) was a New York Congressman and supporter of the Civil Rights Movement. According to his obituary which made page 1 of the New York Times on 18 Sept. 1972, he was "deemed radical for marching in civil rights demonstrations throughout the South." He was also the first Congressman to vote against the funding of the Vietnam War.

REFERENCE: Blockson, Catalogue of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, 3482, for a ca. 1968 edition published by Greenwood Publishing Corporation; Middleton A. "Spike" Harris letters 1967-1975 at archives.nypl.org

CONDITION: Good, some minor toning and cupping to front cover.

Item #6169

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