Woods, John

The Valley of Minor Animals

ISBN: 0937872091
Port Townsend, WA: Dragon Gate, Inc., 1982. First Softcover Printing. Softcover. Inscribed & signed by John Woods to James Perrizo. "As a poet, John Woods has a number of distinctions: Not only does he have a voice with a uniquely savage cutting-edge, he can range with that voice through the gentlest of sustained lyricism...His only undesirable distinction is his inexplicable critical neglect, one he should soon lose." (from back cover blurb by David Wagoner) A volume of poems by John Woods (1926-1995), a profound poet & professor at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. First softcover edition in sewn binding, first printing as stated on copyright page, published simultaneously with the first hardcover edition. On the title page, Woods has inscribed & signed: "To Jim/ in K'zoo/ Spring!/ ah!/ (signed) John/ Woods." "Jim" is the late James Perrizo, an important collector & scholar who assisted Edie Parker, Jack Kerouac's first wife. With front cover photograph by Steven Young of James Turrell's light installation artwork, "Amba"; photograph of the poet & commendatory blurbs on back cover, including from the esteemed poet & novelist David Wagoner (quoted above), a contemporary & fellow Indiana University alumnus of Woods. Alas, Wagoner's hope-prediction that his colleague would emerge from obscurity may not have occurred in his lifetime, but he certainly deserves posthumous recognition as an important American- & Michigan- poet. A desirable Woods collectible with significant provenance & association. In fine condition with only mild-to-moderate rubbing, faint creasing & scratching to front, back covers & spine; minor wear & tiny-to-small bumps & creases at edges & corners of same; a few tiny spots at side & lower edges of text block; larger spot-stain at middle area of upper text block. Interior very fine with only mild bumps & waves at & near mostly top corners of some page leaves. Fine. [Item #3154]

Price: $20.00 save 20% $16.00