Wieners, John

A Book of Prophecies

Lowell, MA: Bootstrap Press, 2007. First Edition. Softcover. “Out of nowhere, five years after his death, a treasure trove of writings has been discovered. Written thirty-six years ago when Wieners was thirty-six years old, it spans the years 1970-1972 between the publication of ‘Nerves’ and ‘Behind the State Capitol or Cincinnati Pike.’ It contains a few previously published poems but for the most part it contains unpublished and undiscovered pieces. This book will take a prominent place in the canon of Wieners’ work, providing a vital link between the more cohesive lyric of ‘Nerves’ and the fragmentary surrealistic visions of ‘Behind the State Capitol” (Pg. 8, from Introduction by Jim Dunn). Born in Milton, Massachusetts in 1934, John Wieners (1934-2002) was indeed old enough to be a legitimate part of the first generation of Beat writers emerging in the 1950s (despite being, on average, ten years younger than most counted among that roster). As the above-quoted portions of Jim Dunn’s excellent introduction suggest, this title functions essentially as a “lost album” or missing link in the expansive and arresting Wieners oeuvre. Edited by Michael Carr, who consulted notable JW authorities (inc. Gerrit Lansing, and the indefatigable Raymond Foye) while compiling this here volume. From the collection of the late Erin Black Matson, an artist & poet who was a close friend & associate-protege of Bonnie Bremser, Herbert Huncke & others. During the 1960s, Matson & her first husband, the acclaimed poet & educator (& our good friend & colleague at the European Beat Studies Network, ebsn.eu) Clive Matson, were bona fide bohemian members of the Beat Generation as it was transitioning into the hippie counterculture. [978-0-9779975-4-5]. Trade-format softcover original; the First Edition (and appearance) of this special Wieners publication. In very fine condition with only mild-to-moderate shelf-wear to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers; a select few minutely pronounced bumps present at same. Very Fine. [Item #5073]

Price: $40.00