Schneider, David (Whalen, Philip)

Crowded by Beauty: The Life and Zen of Poet Philip Whalen

Oakland, CA: University of California Press, 2015. First Printing. Hardcover. “Philip Whalen was an American poet, Zen Buddhist, and key figure in the literary and artistic scene that unfolded in San Francisco in the 1950s and 1960s. Erudite, shy, and profoundly spiritual, Whalen not only moved his immediate circle of Beat friends and artists, but his powerful, startling, and innovative work continues to have an impact on American poetry to the present day. / Drawing upon Whalen’s journals and personal correspondence…David Schneider shows how deeply bonded these friends were and how they supported one another in their art and spiritual paths” (Abridged from Front Flap). When this deeply intriguing title first came across the desk of Your Devoted Managing Curator, I contemplated whether or not one of the juicy, context-birthing tidbits contained therein were ripe for quotation in this here curation, or whether I should address the general reader with equal respect that I would the scholar—for, if I were to tell…say, of the poetic intensity of the love affair and literary friendship between Whalen and Joanne Kyger (who most all Beat readers only know in a context considerate of Gary Snyder, NOT Whalen)…they’d definitely buy the book. But, to one who has read neither Kyger, Whalen, or Snyder, it would mean nothing. So, I opt for the blurb quoted (in full) above, and provide only teasers for the Initiated (who, perhaps even more than the new ‘pledges’ to a Beat-&-Beyond life, should read this book!). [ISBN: 978-0-520-24746-8]. Hardcover in unclipped dust-jacket: First Edition, although not explicated as such on copyright page; First Printing, as indicated by number sequence thereon. Book in very fine condition with only slightest shelf-wear, a few select exhibits of light bumping to fine-edges & corners. Dust-jacket also in very fine condition with only correspondingly slight shelf-wear to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers. Very Fine / Very Fine. [Item #5141]

Price: $30.00