Matson, Clive; Simon, John Oliver

Shaved At Dawn

Berkeley, CA: Aldebaran Review / Neon Sun, 1984. First Printing. Stapled Wrappers. Signed & Inscribed by Clive Matson to Erin Matson. "Shaved at Dawn" is the duel-wielding chapbook from the acclaimed poet & educator Clive Matson, and the esteemed Bay Area poet, John Oliver Simon (1942-2018) -- also a noted poet-&-educator. Matson contributes five commanding & memorable short works ("Chopping Wood," "Sailing (a true story)," "At the Hearth," "Dream of Parents Dying," & "Plumed with Friendship." Simon, for his part, contributes three poems ("One Reason," "Terminal del Sur," & Tepozteco"). An overlooked, key collectible in Matson’s impressive & voluminous oeuvre—further distinguished by the coterminous appearance of John Oliver Simon, a widely-respected Bay Area legend. Chapbook in stapled wrappers; the first and only printing of this Aldebaran Review / Neon Sun publication. We’re happy to relay that the copy offered here is a most significant association copy; as it is signed by Clive Matson to his former wife and creative collaborator, artist-poet Erin Matson. Clive's inscription-&-signature, in thin black fountain pen ink, reads: "For Erin Matson / with thanks for sending on / all the George Montgomery! / I will be East again in the summer 1986, if a residency at Woodstock does indeed / materialize -- see you! / Love, / Clive." The “George Montgomery” referred to here, of course, is almost certainly the Beat-adjacent author & onetime personal friend of Jack Kerouac. Such Beat-specific dialogue nested in Erin’s inscription surely enriches the provenance of this one-two punch-of-poesy from these distinguished California authors. From the collection of Erin Black Matson--who, along with her above-mentioned, onetime husband & poet, Clive Matson--were bona fide members of the Beat Generation as it morphed into the hippie counterculture during the 1960s. The Matsons were colleagues-protégés (in lifestyle as much as literature) of Herbert Huncke, Bonnie Bremser et al. The condition of this chapbook reflects its long ownership & use by Erin, who was a tried-&-true Beat-Bohemian to the end. In strong near fine condition with only moderate-to-pronounced rubbing, yellowing, age-typical toning & browning to front, back covers & spine; a few tiny bumps at same; light wear to staples at exterior & modest, speck-like instances of rusting & bleeding to staples at interior; significant age-typical yellowing, toning & browning to interior; a few minor exhibits of closed chipping along fine-edges of same; moderate staining to select areas of front & back covers. Near Fine. [Item #4895]

Price: $30.00