The Gold-Dust Wilderness
n.p. [Self-Published], 1971. Limited Edition. Hardcover. One of 150 copies, folio size, 72 pp., inscribed by Pendell, with ANS and separate Errata slip. Fine. Item #26041505
The first published work by Dale Pendell (1947-2018), whom the Los Angeles Times, in an online article, called "The Poet of Plants". Wiki describes him as "an American poet, ethnobotanist, and novelist. Writing in an evocative style all his own, he fused science, folklore, and poetry in describing the relationship between psychoactive plants and human beings. A long time student of ethnobotany, Pendell discussed historical and cultural uses of 'power plants' in his works."
This book not focused on plants, but is rather an homage to the Native Americans and their pictographs, to the early miners of gold and silver, and, ultimately, to the land itself.
This a presentation copy, inscribed in the year of publication thus: "For Karl Ray, / a dear friend / and a respected teacher / with best of love. / Dale Pendell / 9-X-71". There is also a short ANS, dated "14-IX-71" (so earlier than the date in the book) wherein Pendell states "...hope you are happy with Gold Dust Wilderness / I will sign it when I see you", which promise he clearly kept.
While there are other publications of Pendell's online, as of this writing this the only copy of his first book.
___DESCRIPTION: Bound in half tan leather with paper spine label, the sides paste-paper over boards, these with designs reminiscent of Native American artwork, black endpapers and gold flyleaves, the text pages in various shades of black, gold, and tan, the lettering all hand-done in appearance, most pages with decorations and/or illustrations of various sizes; binding folio size (13 3/8" by 10 1/4"), 72 pages; the first page of text has Pendell's inscription to Karl Ray as well as the limitation statement, "of 150 copies printed and bound by the author, this is no. 6"; loosly laid in are both the ANS as mentioned above and a short Errata slip.
___CONDITION: Volume fine overall, the boards clean, straight corners without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, and entirely free of prior owner markings; a few very light, stray marks to the half-leather, else fine. The ANS and Errata slip also fine.
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Price: $900.00