Dorn, Edward

By the Sound

ISBN: 0876858426
Santa Rosa, CA: Black Sparrow Press, 1991. Limited First Edition Thus. Hardcover. Signed by Edward Dorn. A rare prose work by Edward Dorn (1929-1999), among the greatest of the Black Mountain Poets along with his contemporaries Robert Creeley, Robert Duncan & Charles Olson. First published in 1965 with the title The Rites of Passage: A Brief History; then revised & with this title in 1971; this is the final version with a new preface by the author, at the end of which he states: "By the Sound, masquerading as a "novel," is simply a sociological study of the basement stratum of its time: the never ending story of hunger and pressing circumstances in a land of excess." One of 150 hardcover copies numbered & signed by the author, this is copy No. 60/150. An exemplary production by Black Sparrow Press, with illustrated boards & purple cloth spine to which is affixed a paper strip with author & title. A rare & essential Dorn collectible. In very fine condition, with only a few tiny indentations at lower edge of front board (likely as issued); otherwise virtually mint inside & out. In publisher's heavy clear glassine protective jacket, also in very fine condition with only very slight rubbing & scratching. Very Fine. [Item #2393]

Price: $100.00