[Item #4430] The Secret Meaning of Things. Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
The Secret Meaning of Things
The Secret Meaning of Things
The Secret Meaning of Things

The Secret Meaning of Things

New York, NY: New Directions Books, 1969. First Softcover Edition. Softcover. "The Secret Meaning of Things is Lawrence Ferlinghetti's fourth book of poems, and it has all the elements of his earlier poetry: lyrical intensity, wit, social concern, satirical bite, and above all a classical claritas. But it goes much further: there is a deepening of vision and a darker understanding of "our clay condition." " (from back cover) A now-classic collection of poems by Lawrence Ferlinghetti (1919-2021), the canonical American poet, publisher & bookseller who through his City Lights store & imprint was the key figure in the publication & dissemination of the foundational works of the Beat Generation/ San Francisco Renaissance. His recent passing at the age of 101 is a profound shakeup to the American & world literary & cultural scene, but his wide impact & legacy live on! Among the exemplary poems herein is "Assassination Raga," written in the immediate wake of Robert F. Kennedy's murder & recited by Ferlinghetti at Kennedy's funeral. Reproduced on front cover is a photograph by Beth Bagby of Ferlinghetti reading the poem at that event. This copy is from the first softcover edition, first printing, published slightly before the first trade hardcover edition on April 25, 1969 (copyrighted 1968), & therefore the very first edition of this production. With all points in Morgan, A20(a), pgs. 50-51. An essential Ferlinghetti collectible from when the immortal poet was in his prime. In fine condition with mild-to-moderate rubbing, scratching & light browning to front, back covers & spine; mild wear & some tiny bumps, creases at thin edges & corners of same; mild rubbing, browning & spotting to edges of text block. Interior fine with very light browning & occasional spotting to blank margins of some page leaves; very small creases, tiny bumps at corners of some of same; scholarly marginalia (in the form of some transcribed chords to Joni Mitchell's song "Tin Angel" from the classic 1968 album "Clouds") in pencil at blank rear endpaper (which can be removed if desired, but we have left for purchaser's possible edification). Fine. [Item #4430]

Price: $25.00