Creeley, Robert

The Island

New York, NY: Scribners, 1963. First Trade Edition & Association Copy. Softcover. Signed & Inscribed by Robert Creeley to Ken & Ann Mikolowski, Founders of Detroit's "Alternative Press"; with Laid-In Handwritten Notation including Additional Signature, Phone Number, & Directions. In the introductory note to "The Island," Creeley states the book's essential allegorical properties & on the page beside it dedicates the work to the poet Charles Olson, the influential giant of the Black Mountain School of poetry. "The Island" is Robert Creeley's first novel, and it is interesting to note that Creeley himself has stated that he thought he would make his way in literature through his prose. Considering the immense popularity of his poetry and the resonance his name has come to carry, it is alluring to discover what kind of prose he was creating; to see how he was taking the lessons of Olson & his other primary influences to task in his often-overlooked prose output. "The Island" was released in 1962, the same year his landmark "For Love" collection was released, and on the back cover blurb, they state that "For Love" is "...A leading contender for the 1962 National Book Award," although he did not take the crown that year. This particular copy is made exceptionally rare by the informally laid-in sheet of loose-leaf notebook paper, on which Creeley wrote a phone number, an additional signature (signed "Bob") and directions to what ostensibly was where he was staying at the time. Book in fine very good condition with only uniform slight yellowing to front, back covers & spine; moderate uniform rubbing throughout same; vertical crease running through length of front cover nearest spine-edge; slight staining to bottom of text block; minute bumps at all corners; minor uniform nicks to front, back cover; few minute spots and nicks at same. Very Good. [Item #2720]

Price: $75.00