Crucifix In a Deathhand; Charles Bukowski: New Poems 1963-65
New York: A Loujon Press Award Book: Lyle Stuart Inc., (1965). Rockmore, Noel. Limited Edition. No binding. One of 3100 copies, folio size, 109 pp., with the belly band. Near fine. Item #CNJZ0022
Charles Bukowski (1920-1994) was "a prolific underground writer who used his poetry and prose to depict the depravity of urban life and the downtrodden in American society. A cult hero, Bukowski relied on experience, emotion, and imagination in his work, using direct language and violent and sexual imagery" (n.b., from the web site of the Poetry Foundation). As much as he achieved popular acclaim during his lifetime, his reputation and following have only increased after his death.
This work, "Crucifix In a Deathhand", was published by the Loujon Press (Jon and Louise "Lou" Webb) in a wonderfully imaginative style, using different coloured papers which are unvevenly cut, this revealing a vertical rainbow of coloured paper along the fore-edge side. This volume signed by Bukowski in silver, dated 3-19-65 on the page opposite the colophon.
Illustrated with etchings by Noel Rockmore (1928-1995), a recognized artist by the age of 19 who would eventually produce (by his own count) 15,000 works of art, and a friend of the Webbs, who brought Rockmore and Bukowski together.
___DESCRIPTION: Wrap-around stiff wrappers with an etched illustration by Rockmore, with an additional four full-page, tissue-guarded etchings bound in throughout (plus a few smaller etchings throughout), one of 3100 copies; handset in various types (including American Uncial, Roman, and Bulmer) on Linweave paper in shades of ivory, white, peacock, gobelin, bayberry, bittersweet and saffron, folio size (12 3/8" by 8 1/2" at the widest point), pagination: [1-14] 15-101 [1, blank] [1, Artist Bio] [2, blank] [1, blank page with Bukowski's signature and date] [1, colophon] [2, blank]. With the original belly band, printed with the title and author, the original price ($7.50) and stated "autographed limited edition", and a publisher's ad for the book.
___CONDITION: Volume near fine, with clean wraps, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, and entirely free of prior owner markings; some light overall wear. The belly band is a solid very good, entire with only miniscule tears at the folds and minor overall wear.
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Price: $600.00