O'Connor, Patrick Joseph

Delano: Stories from the Neighborhood

ISBN: 1929731051
Wichita, KS: Rowfant Press, 2001. First Edition. Softcover. Signed by Patrick Joseph O'Connor to Charles Plymell. "Wichita is a young and friendly city, one at which you have to work at finding entertainment at times, but one that has the reward of people who, for the most part, won't let you down. The neighborhoods of west Wichita can be revisited pretty much as they were then...Delano is a place that has a 19th century history as one of excitement and rebellion, and a reputation as a working class neighborhood in the 20th. It's time to value the well-ordered square blocks and to give the people help in preserving the very many good things about Delano. To the latter aim this book is dedicated." (from conclusion, pg. 155) A charming, informative memoir by Patrick Joseph O'Connor, an author of varied works who can be considered a member of the "Wichita Vortex" Beat Generation offshoot. O'Connor recalls his 1950s childhood in this exemplary American milieu, & relates its rich history. On title page, O'Connor has hand-written & signed: "To Charles/ (signed) Pat O'Connor." "Charles" is Charles Plymell, the acclaimed poet, printer, publisher & Legendary Literary Outlaw who is a fellow Kansan & a primary member of the Vortex. Also, there is present a stick-note on the contents page written to Plymell ("Chuck") by an unknown friend who is also familiar with the Delano neighborhood. A very interesting & enjoyable memoir-study with significant association & provenance. In very fine condition with only mild rubbing, light spot-browning & creasing to front, back covers & spine; lightest wear & a few tiny bumps at edges & corners of same; light rubbing & spotting to edges of text block esp. upper edge. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps at edges of a few page leaves. Very Fine. [Item #3571]

Price: $20.00