Rasmussen, E. Michael — The First Night

New York, W. Malliet, 1947. First printing. Hardcover. Good condition E. Michael Rasmussen's The First Night holds significant literary and cultural value for its exploration of interracial relationships and the social dynamics of the Virgin Islands in the years leading up to World War II. By drawing on his own heritage—being the son of a Danish official and an African-descended mother—Rasmussen provides a unique perspective on the complexities of race, identity, and colonialism in the Caribbean during this period. The novel’s fictionalized portrayal of his parents’ interracial marriage offers insights into the societal tensions and prejudices of the time, reflecting broader issues of racial hierarchy, colonial influence, and the blending of cultures in the Virgin Islands, a region shaped by both European colonialism and African heritage. Through its narrative, The First Night sheds light on how love and family navigate and challenge these societal boundaries.