Eshleman, Clayton

The Sanjo Bridge w/Aux Morts

Los Angeles, CA: Black Sparrow Press, 1972; 1974. Second Printing; First Printing. Pamphlets in Stapled Wrappers. "So the childhood is the crucible/ at least in our minds, where we are brayed,/ and so we escape/ and so we live on." ("At the Tomb of Soutine," first lines) The second & eighteenth early numbers of Black Sparrow Press's series of monthly collectible pamphlets, both with content by Clayton Eshleman, the esteemed & prolific American poet, essayist, editor & educator who is our good friend & mentor here in Michigan: (1) The Sanjo Bridge, Sparrow 2, November 1972. An essay in which Eshleman distinguishes between art & entertainment, with poet Theodore Enslin an exemplar of the former & Bob Dylan of the latter. Other important figures are discussed such as the film director Federico Fellini, whom Eshleman finds it more difficult to "disentangle" between art & entertainment. A learned, erudite & emphatic argument-manifesto. Presumed second (& probably last) printing, as the front cover printing is all black rather than black-&-red. (2) Aux Morts, Sparrow 18, March 1974. A small collection of poems including "At the Tomb of Soutine" (quoted above), "Keeping the Flies from My Mother's Head" & more. Vintage Eshleman- very bold, evocative, visceral & intense poetry. First printing with black-&-red printing on front cover. Two related & desirable Eshleman collectibles in this acclaimed series. (1) in very fine condition with only very light rubbing, a few short, faint creases & sparse spotting to front, back covers & stapled spine; a bit of wear & a few tiny bumps at edges & corners of same; mild spotting to edges of text block. Interior very fine with only short, faint creases at upper corners of page leaves; tiny bumps at lower corners of some of same. (2) very fine with minimal rubbing, creasing & sparse spotting to front, back covers & stapled spine; a bit of wear & a few tiny bumps at edges & corners of same; mild spotting to edges of text block. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps at corners of some page leaves. Very Fine. [Item #3930]

Price: $25.00 save 20% $20.00