Various (O'Brien, John; (Editor & Publisher); Metcalf, Paul; Selby Jr., Hubert; Butterick, George; Mottram, Eric et al.)

The Review of Contemporary Fiction, Vol. 1, No. 2, Summer 1981

ISBN: (ISSN)02760045
Elmwood Park, IL: John O'Brien, 1981. First Printing. Softcover. This second-ever issue of the venerable literary journal chiefly edited & published by John O'Brien is sub-titled the "Paul Metcalf / Hubert Selby, Jr. Number" & features interviews, essays & various appreciation's of these two most important, daring writers. Paul Metcalf (1917-1999) was an acclaimed poet & prose writer with a most distinguished American literary pedigree- he was the great-grandson of Herman Melville. Among his influences was the great (physically & intellectually) Black Mountain-&-Beyond poet Charles Olson, who was in turn quite influenced & wrote about Melville. Hubert Selby Jr. (1928-2004) was the acclaimed author of such classics as Last Exit to Brooklyn, considered by some critics as "the last Beat novel"; & "Requiem for a Dream," both of which were made into notable film versions. Among the many important contributors who write about these two giants of American literature are the late George Butterick, a close associate of Olson who wrote a monumental study of Olson's Magnum Opus, The Maximus Poems ("Paul Metcalf and the Documentary Narrative"); & Eric Mottram, author of one of the earliest critical studies of William S. Burroughs' works, The Algebra of Need ("Free Like the Rest of Us: Violence and Despair in Hubert Selby's Novels"). Also with a review section of contemporary works including Douglas R. Hofstadter's Godel, Escher, Bach; contemporary ads, etc. Large-format periodical in wrappers with front cover illustrations of Metcalf & Selby by Mary Russell. A very important rarity for scholars & collectors of these two iconic writers; & of this distinguished journal. In fine condition with only mild rubbing, scratching & creasing to front, back covers & esp. spine; mild wear & a few bumps, short creases & curlings to edges & corners of same; very light rubbing & sparse spotting to edges of text block. Interior very fine with only tiny-to-small bumps & creases to corners of a few page leaves. Fine. [Item #3233]

Price: $40.00