[Item #4373] Because It Is: Poems and Drawings by Kenneth Patchen. Kenneth Patchen.
Because It Is: Poems and Drawings by Kenneth Patchen
Because It Is: Poems and Drawings by Kenneth Patchen

Because It Is: Poems and Drawings by Kenneth Patchen

New York, NY: New Directions Books, 1960. First Edition, Eighth Printing. Softcover. "Kenneth Patchen has created many worlds...and now the comic, disturbing world of these new poems and drawings of Because It Is. Klee and Goya, Edward Lear and Christian Morgenstern, Kit Smart and Blake are others who have had this genius for inventing a special universe of fantastic revelation. So powerful is Patchen's rejection of the world we read about in the newspapers- the supposedly real- that we find ourselves accepting the dictates of his imagination with full belief and following him with mounting excitement- and a sensation of joyous release- into a world that does exist because of Kenneth Patchen." (from back cover) An exemplary collection of poetry & art by 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. Trade-format softcover original in sewn binding, first edition, eighth printing as stated on copyright page & back cover. First published in 1960 by New Directions imprint, the brave beacon of literary & artistic freedom founded by James Laughlin (1914-1997), a champion of Patchen & many other groundbreaking figures. The reference to Patchen's "fifty seventh year" in short biography on front endpaper, lack of an ISBN number, sewn binding & general condition (below) of this copy indicate that although fairly far down the line of printings, it was produced still well within the decade of the 1960s, circa 1967-68. A delightful, thought-provoking, essential Patchen collectible. In very fine condition with only light rubbing, browning, scratching & a few short, faint creases to front, back covers & spine; a bit of wear & a few tiny bumps at edges & corners of same; mild browning, rubbing & spotting to edges of text block, esp. upper edge. Interior very fine with only sparse, light spotting to blank edges & margins of inner covers & a few page leaves; small-to-tiny creases, bumps at mostly upper corners of some leaves. Very Fine. [Item #4373]

Price: $30.00