South African writer and academic (1931-1989) who was a firm believer in anti-racism and has been recognized for his contributions to the fight against apartheid through literature; he was stabbed to death at his home in Cape Town at age 58. Two books signed by Rive: a scarce first edition of his first novel, Emergency, hardcover with dust jacket, published by Faber and Faber in 1964, signed on the title page in fountain pen, "Richard Rive," and signed and inscribed on the first free end page, "To Ruth, Jache, and Helen, from Richard Rive (South Africa), New York, 3rd October 1965"; and a paperback edition of African Writers Series 14: Quartet, New Voices From South Africa, published by Heinemann Educational Books in 1965, signed and inscribed on the first free end page in fountain pen, "To Ruth, Jache, and Helen, from Richard Rive (South Africa), New York, 3rd October 1965." In overall very good to fine condition, with light stains to the dust jacket of Emergency.
