Bremser, Bonnie (a/k/a Frazer, Bonnie)

The Village Scene

Sudbury, MA: Water Row Press, 2000. Limited First Edition. Hand-Sewn Wrappers. Signed by Bonnie Frazer (Bremser) "The Gaslight was a place for bad poetry although sometimes a young person would show up and Ray would be impressed. I was learning to distinguish the legitimate from the bad. Ray was an impressive poet and a great performer too. It made me cringe to hear some of the other poets--pure sentimentality and yet not sincere, and totally disconnected from any meaning. Ray used the word pretentious...But when Ray read it was different. Even the owner would sit down and people in the kitchen would listen, too. The poetry itself linked words, music, rhythm and meaning in a way that perfectly matched his voice. Even if you didn't immediately understand the intent of the poem, the sound of it persuaded you." (from Bonnie Frazer's title contribution, "The Village Scene."). This 2000 release from Jeffrey Weinberg's Water Row Press compiled an intimate memoir excerpt of Bonnie Frazer (Bonnie Bremser) covering the Greenwich Village Beat scene with heartfelt candor and sincerity that marks the best of her autobiographical work. Appearing after Frazer's contribution is Ray Bremser's poem "FOLLOW THE EAST RIVER," an early selection from his debut work [featuring an Introduction by Allen Ginsberg] "Poems of Madness" (New York, NY: Paper Book Gallery, 1965). Published in a total run of 176 copies, 150 of which are signed and numbered, 26 of which are lettered--this is copy number 80 of the signed and numbered edition of 150. Signed by Bonnie Frazer in blue pen ink on the title page. Signature reads: "Bonnie Frazer." Book in very fine condition, virtually as new. Very Fine. [Item #3964]

Price: $45.00