Patchen, Kenneth

Memoirs of a Shy Pornographer

New York, NY: New Directions Books, 1945. First Softcover Edition, Fourth Printing. Softcover. "First published in 1945, Kenneth Patchen's Memoirs of a Shy Pornographer has been reprinted over the years in various editions and is now recognized as a classic of American humor and satire. It is the hilarious saga of Alfred Budd of Bivalve, New Jersey, a Candide-like innocent whose comic misadventures hold up a distorting mirror to our so-called "civilization." " (back cover) The early prose work of Kenneth Patchen (1911-1972), the brilliant American poet, artist & pacifist who was an inspiring influence on the Beat Generation- San Francisco Renaissance & is still revered with a devoted following today. This copy is from the first softcover edition published by New Directions, the brave beacon of literary freedom founded by James Laughlin (1914-1997), a champion of Patchen & many other groundbreaking writers. With front cover design by Laughlin; laudatory quotes on back cover including by Henry Miller, who writes: "Like the Wonder Books of old, every page contains some new marvel." Trade-format softcover in sewn binding, fourth printing as stated on copyright page & back cover. There is no date reference, the structure, condition (below) & lack of ISBN number indicate an appx. early-to-mid-1960s production. A fairly collectible (excellent reading copy) version of this popular Patchen "Amusement" (as he terms it on the title page). In fine condition with mild rubbing, faint scratching & creasing to front, back covers & spine; light wear & a few tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same; light rubbing & occasional spot-staining to edges of text block. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps at corners of a few page leaves. Fine. [Item #4343]

Price: $25.00