Charters, Ann, Ginsberg, Allen

Scenes Along the Road

New York, NY: Portents/Gotham Book Mart, 1970. First Edition. Softcover. Signed by Allen Ginsberg in year of publication. "SCENES ALONG THE ROAD is a collection of snapshots of a group of men before they became, as Jack Kerouac put it, "famous writers more or less." In the 1940s and early 1950s, when most of the snapshots were taken, they were known only to each other, and these photos are candid shots they took to capture the private moments of their life and experience together."(from Introduction) This historic volume is the earliest compilation of images that have since become iconic & reproduced in many Beat-related publications & exhibits. With three poems & commentary by Allen Ginsberg. Published in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the legendary, now-defunct Gotham Book Mart in NYC, The First Edition of a total of 2000 copies was issued in 1970, out of which 1750 copies were in softcovers with sewn bindings, of which this copy is one. A small number of specially bound copies were signed by Allen Ginsberg. This copy is not part of that special consignment, but it is signed by Ginsberg on the Contents page, in the year of publication, in bold red: "(Signed) Allen Ginsberg/NY 1970 oct 3/(drawing of heart pierced by arrow). This item belonged to Peggy Biderman, an artist & filmmaker who lived in the Chelsea Hotel back in the day & was good friends with Ginsberg, Corso, Harry Smith & the other primary Beat figures who lived & hung out there. Acquired directly from her daughter, the songwriter/producer Beth Biderman. A most significant Beat milestone, with very important provenance, in near-fine condition with only mild wear & soiling to covers & spine, interior very fine with only slight yellowing to edges. Near Fine [Item #1619]