Clark, Tom

Chicago with: A Conversation With Hitler

Los Angeles, CA; Santa Barbara, CA: Black Sparrow Press, 1974; 1978. First Editions. Stapled Wrappers. A Conversation With Hitler signed by Tom Clark. "I leaned back against the wall and laughed a crazy laugh./ I punched myself in my face with my fist, combed my hair,/ And made it out the door to the El station." ("Chicago," Part I, first stanza) Two numbers of Black Sparrow Press's series of monthly collectible pamphlets, both with content by Tom Clark (1941-2018), the great American poet, editor, novelist, biographer & artist with a number of styles all his own as demonstrated here; & who exemplifies our category of "The Prolific & Underappreciated": (1) Chicago, Sparrow 27, December 1974. With the title poem, not to be confused with the collection entitled "Chicago: for Edwin Denby" of 1969 (see our Item No. 3561). Pamphlet in stapled wrappers, first edition, first printing as indicated by black & red printing on covers. (2) A Conversation With Hitler, Sparrow 69, June 1978. With three short prose pieces including the provocatively titled title story, a humorous & sarcastic memoir as if written by the philosopher Martin Heidegger about his fictional conversation with the Fuhrer during 1940. Clark uses contemporary hipster language to ironic, hilarious effect as when Hitler is quoted saying "Martin, I dig it..." Pamphlet in stapled wrappers, first edition, first printing as indicated by black & red printing on covers. On front cover, below his printed name, Clark has hand-written his signature in bold red ink. Two desirable Clark collectibles, one signed, in this acclaimed & rare series. (1) in very fine condition with only a few tiny bumps & short, faint creases at edges & corners of front, back covers & stapled spine. Interior very fine with only short, faint creases at lower inner corners of page leaves. (2) very fine with only a few tiny bumps & short, faint creases at edges & corners of front, back covers & stapled spine. Interior very fine with only miniscule bumps at lower corners of some page leaves. Very Fine. [Item #3980]

Price: $40.00 save 20% $32.00