Dawson, Fielding

Open Road

Los Angeles, CA: Black Sparrow Press, 1970. First Trade Softcover Edition. Softcover. Signed by Fielding Dawson. "I began this novel in the spring of 1957...I went all the way with this book. I went for Art, and for honesty--honest emotions which even though I couldn't handle I went for anyway." Fielding Dawson, painter, poet & novelist often associated with his legendary alma mater Black Mountain College, is a vastly under-read champion of experimental prose. This exemplary passage illustrates a wildly imaginative and enticingly surrealistic element present in much of Dawson's prose from this very book: "...Cezanne landscapes of comic brickthrowing mice. Houses on stilts. A goddess foot through long grass and flowers, nature exhilarated: radiant Susan, her goddess figure through spacious days and whirling galaxies, infinite dreams of the universe: a Wonderland on the wake of suns." (pg. 19). Such colorful, innovative language is sewn throughout the piece and represents a courageous effort of a youth fresh of the mentorship of a flourishing Charles Olson. From the library of Ken & Ann Mikolowski, founders of Detroit's "Alternative Press," publishers of many Beat/New York School/Black Mountain-related authors. Book in very fine condition with only slight rubbing to front, back covers; slight yellowing near all fine-edges of same; minute shelfwear throughout same; tiny bump at top left, top right corners of front cover. Very Fine. [Item #2814]

Price: $25.00