Guthrie, Hammond

Belfast Insert

Gottingen, Germany: Expanded Media Editions, 1973. First Edition. Softcover. Signed by Hammond Guthrie. “Cut-up is a means of escape…Escape from truth into truth format of re-arranged space…Cut-up is a direction to a beginning….(an extension of our visual and mental experience in the sense of true improvisation & experimentation)…leaving footprints of an invisible line or word…” So writes Hammond Guthrie, author of this unique booklet in the revolutionary Cut-Up Tradition half-invented and half-resurrected by Brion Gysin and our groundbreaking namesake, the great William S. Burroughs. During this period of WSB’s career, a tremendous amount of aspiring young writers flocked to him, seeing in the Cut-Ups an opportunity for their own stint of active duty on the literary vanguard’s storied front lines. Just like the disciples of any great artist, the efforts of this flock of junk-sodden, grey-fleshed sheep were (depending on the writer in question) better or worse at absorbing the maxims and methods of the masters. In your Devoted Assistant Curator’s opinion, Guthrie is more successful than most, with the variations executed containing striking images and at least a few utterly hilarious phrases and comic situations surrealistically played out. “Belfast Insert” is a product of the celebrated writer-translator-publisher Udo Breger’s Expanded Media Editions, publishers of myriad Beat-&-Beyond writers of note—many of whom were also close friends and prominent admirers of WSB. The text is in English, and this edition is made special by the fact that it is among the 20 copies signed & numbered by Hammond Guthrie in blue pen ink (this copy is 4/20; an early number, the earliest we’ve seen come to market to date). If you are a fan of the Cut-Ups as practiced by the Giants (WSB/Gysin/Norse), then you’ve got to give Guthrie a try. Book in near fine condition with moderate shelf-wear to fine-edges and modest bumping to corners; moderate rubbing, scratches to front, back covers but all things considered a suitable copy to be thoroughly enjoyed. Near Fine. [Item #4497]

Price: $80.00