Clark, Tom; Berrigan, Ted

Late Returns: A Memoir of Ted Berrigan

ISBN: 0939180383
Bolinas, CA: Tombouctou, 1985. Limited First Edition. Hardcover. Signed by Tom Clark. "Re-reading Ted's old letters, it's evident I was sending him almost as many "works" as he was sending me. Which ones I sent, I'm no longer sure, except in those cases where Ted incorporated my work into his own- a habit of his which was also an important element in his compositional procedure, i.e. borrowing and then transforming other people's writings, in whole or part. (William Burroughs' cut-up method provided him with both model and excuse.)" (pg. 20) A rich, fascinating memoir by Tom Clark (1941-2018), the great American poet, editor, novelist, biographer & artist first associated with the New York School. The subject of this work is the poet Ted Berrigan (1934-1983), among the foremost figures of the later New York School who was a close friend & associate of Clark. Along with Clark's memoir are eleven transcibed letters from Berrigan to Clark; & a plentiful section of photographs depicting Berrigan, himself & in the company of Clark & others; & frontispiece facsimile postcard from Berrigan to Clark written shortly before Berrigan's death. Hardcover without dust jacket as issued, a handsome production. Colophon states: "A limited hardbound edition of Late Returns,/ signed by the author,/ is available directly from Tombouctou." Below this, Clark has hand-written his signature. We therefore cannot determine the limitation, but this copy is certainly from the limited edition described. Published simultaneously with a trade softcover edition per copyright page. A very rare & rewarding collectible for Clark & Berrigan devotees. In very fine condition with only a bit of rubbing & one thin, short vertical vein-bump from lower-middle right edge onto front cover (not effecting gilt text & likely a minor flaw as issued); otherwise substantially mint inside & out. Very Fine. [Item #3965]

Price: $90.00