Here for your delectation is theSPECTACULAR & RARE------------------DOWN THESE MEAN STREETS by Piri Thomas.The classic memoir about growing up in Spanish Harlem. As a dark-skinned Puerto Rican, born in 1928, Piri Thomas faced with painful immediacy the absurd contradictions of America's racial attitudes (among people of all colors) in a time of wrenching social change. Jazzy prose, rich in Hispanic rhythms and beat-generation slang. The book opens in 1941, with 12-year old Piri living in New York with his family. The narrative recounts his growth into manhood; we accompany Piri as he gets into fights, uses illegal drugs, becomes a violent criminal, spends time in prison, and experiences conflict within his own family. This is a raw, powerful book. Thomas has a vigorous, muscular prose style that incorporates many Spanish terms (readers may find the glossary at the end of the book useful). The book raises many questions about racial and ethnic identity as Piri has relationships with many different people of various colors and cultures. Thomas also explores the interconnections of race and religion, and vividly portrays the subculture of prison life. This is an essential book for anyone interested in the Puerto Rican experience on the U.S. mainland. The book has a lot in common with "The Autobiography of Malcolm X." NOT TO BE MISSED!!A FABULOUS COLLECTIBLE!!HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!This is the softcover statedSIGNET EDITION from MAY 1968.Other than a couple of tiny dog-ears from storage (no pig's feet!),the book is in excellent reading condition. There are no rips, tears, markings, etc.---and the pages and binding are tight (see photo). **Note: All books listed as FIRST EDITIONS are stated by the publisher in words or number lines--or--only stated editions that include only the publisher and publication date. Check my feedback to see that I sell exactly as I describe. So buy now for this magnificent, impossible-to-findAUTOBIOGRAPHY COLLECTIBLE.ALL OF MY LISTINGS ARE BETTER THAN AN product!! IF YOUSEEK OUTINCENTIVES LIKE FREE SHIPPING-------- YOU'VE GOT IT!!! PLUS---CHOOSE WHAT YOU WANT TO PAY!!!! IF THE LISTED PRICE IS A BIT OUT OF YOUR PRICE RANGE, CHECK BEST OFFER AND STATE THE REASONABLEPRICEYOU WOULD LIKE TO PAY---CHANCES ARETHE ITEM WILL BE YOURS--IMMEDIATELY!! (Sometimes I even accept unreasonable offers!) DON'T JUST BROWSE!!! THIS IS THE ITEM YOU SEARCHED FOR---AND IT COULD BE YOURS FOR THE PRICE YOU WOULD LIKE!! NO WAITING FOR AN product TO END----AND NO DEAL LIKE THIS ANYWHERE ON THE INTERNET!!!! _______________________________________________________________________________________WANT TOSEE MORE LIKE THIS??FOR EXTRA-SPECIAL SAVINGSGO TOBARRYS BARGAIN BIN (CLICK HERE--)forBOOKS THOUSANDS OFUNIQUE TITLES (no duplication) ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY FIRST EDITIONS ! +MUSICIN ALL GENRES AND FORMATS(lps, 45s, 78s, and cassettes)+ASSORTED RARE CURIOSITIESEVERYTHING(except death and taxes) IS NEGOTIABLE!MAKE ME AN OFFER I CAN'T REFUSE!! (NO HORSE'S HEAD IN THE BED, PLEASE!)ALLREASONABLE OFFERS WILL BE ACCEPTED!!!(EVEN THE OCCASIONAL UNREASONABLE OFFER)Be sure to add me to your favorites list090112
