Berrigan, Ted

Get the Money! Collected Prose (1961-1983)

San Francisco, CA: City Lights Books, 2022. First Edition. Softcover. “’Get the Money!’ was Ted Berrigan’s mantra for the paid writing gigs he took on in support of his career as a poet. This long-awaited collection of his essential prose draws upon the many essays, reviews, introductions, and other texts he produced for hire, as well as material from his journals, travelogues, and assorted, unclassifiable creative texts. Documenting his innovative poetics and techniques, as well as the creative milieu of poets—centered around New York’s Poetry Project—for whom he served both as nurturer and catalyst, ‘Get the Money!’ provides a view into the development of Berrigan’s aesthetics in real time, capturing the heady excitement of the era…” (from Back Cover). “Get the Money!” profits immensely in having been edited by an unimpugnable suite of Berrigan authorities. These include noted New York poet (and Ted’s second wife), Alice Notley, and their two sons: Edmund & Anselm Berrigan, along with the estimable Nick Sturm—educator, poet, and literary scholar at Georgia State University. The result is a tasteful and representative assembly; one that successfully forwards an understanding of Berrigan more along the likes of what his colleague, friend, and fellow poet-publisher, Ed Sanders has argued for. Namely, that Berrigan is best and most accurately thought of as a first-rate contributor to (and formative influence on) the “Mimeograph Revolution,” writ large. It follows, then, that his work is deserving of far more than the obligatory, “honorable” mention(s) most typically afforded it. Indeed, his was a voice from the Literary Vanguard; something the prose here collected attests to. Beat Readers, rejoice! Trade-format softcover original: First Edition, with no reference to other editions (or printings) at copyright page. Book in very fine condition, bordering on “as new” designation with only faintest shelf-wear to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers. Very Fine. [Item #5078]

Price: $30.00