Various (Banks, Russell; Berry, Wendell; Eshleman, Clayton; Gerber, Dan; Harrison, Jim; Hollo, Anselm; Kelly, Robert; Malanga, Gerard; Merwin, W.S.; Olson, Charles; Powell, George; Rich, Adrienne; Wakoski, Diane et al.)

Sumac Vol II No.s II & III Double Issue (Winter/ Spring 1970)

Fremont, MI: The Sumac Press, 1970. First Printing. Softcover. Signed by Clayton Eshleman & Diane Wakoski. This vintage double number of the esteemed literary journal edited & with contributions by Dan Gerber & Jim Harrison features two poems ("Race Point" & "Altars") by Clayton Eshleman, the acclaimed & prolific poet, translator & scholar who has long resided near us in Michigan, our friend & mentor. On the title page of this issue, Eshleman has hand-written his signature. Diane Wakoski, another acclaimed, prolific poet who has also long resided in our State, contributes the somewhat long poem "Film: Called Five Blind Men." On page 70, next to her printed name & the title, Wakoski has hand-written her signature with characteristic vertical doodles. Other poets in this massive issue include such major figures as Russell Banks long before his fame as a novelist; Wendell Berry, co-editors Gerber & Harrison (the latter just then launching his remarkable career); Anselm Hollo, Robert Kelly, Gerard Malanga, W.S. Merwin, Adrienne Rich & many more. With an eloquent, touching obituary-tribute by Harrison to Charles Olson, the Great American Maximus Master Poet who had just passed away when this issue was published, opposite a classic photograph of Olson taken (though uncredited here) by Malanga. Also with a section of contemporary criticism; brief notes on contributors; other very beautiful, black-&-white photos taken by Gerber, George Powell & others etc. A milestone double issue in this very collectible series, especially with the signatures of two of its most distinguished poets. In fine condition with only mild rubbing, scratching, browning & occasional spotting to front, back covers & spine; mild wear & a few tiny bumps at edges & corners of same; light creasing at upper spine edge; light rubbing & a few tiny spots at edges of text block. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps at corners of some page leaves. Fine. [Item #3460]

Price: $40.00