Beatitude Press (Anderson, C.V.J.; Shovmatoff, N.A.; Stamm, Jack)

Forbidden Limericks, Book 2

New York, NY: Beatitude Press, 1961. First Printing. Stapled Wrappers. Ah, Beatitude Press…that cherished, (Beat-) credentialed institution whose mythic origins trace back to the heady emergence of the “San Francisco Renaissance” and its peripatetic, sui generis founder, Bob Kaufman (1925-1986). An interesting, if little known fact about Beatitude Press is that—for a brief moment in the early 1960s—editorial control of the press was informally passed back and forth like some massive, literary “jazz cigarette.” While the great majority of Beat readers (and an increasing number of modern readers, who are equally delighted to have discovered him) know of Kaufman and his legend, less is known about this first tossing of the editorial mantle East—to Chester Valentine John [C.V.J.] Anderson (1932-1991). After graduating from the University of Miami in 1956, Anderson moved to New York City, immersing himself fully in the “literary and cultural ferment” (to lift a phrase from TMB’s Devoted Founder, Arthur S. Nusbaum) created after books like “Howl” and “On the Road” first appeared. Anderson’s unsung countercultural heroism does not end here, however. He also edited another magazine, this one titled “Underhound,” and also worked as a rock journalist with Paul Williams’ “Crawdaddy!” magazine. In 1967, Anderson published “The Butterfly Kid,” the first of what would become three successful science fiction novels. His work in science fiction coincided with his time with the Diggers in San Francisco, where he founded ComCo (“Communications Company,” the Diggers’ “publishing arm”). Chester’s influence on the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is described by Joan Didion in her unsettling masterwork, “Slouching Towards Bethlehem.” In this slim, scarce rarity from Anderson’s Beatitude Press, however, it’s laughter all the way down. These “forbidden limericks” — all composed by Anderson or his friend and fellow writer, Jack Stamm (and featuring illustrations by N.A. Shovmatoff) — are knee-slappers. Large-format chapbook in stapled wrappers: the first and only printing of this scarce, satirical publication from the dawn of the Mimeograph Revolution. In strong Very Good condition with moderate-to-significant shelf-wear to fine-edges, corners, & spine-edge of front, back covers; some chipping, bumping to same; moderate-to-pronounced age-typical yellowing-browning, toning & mild staining to front, back cover; extant small exhibits of nonuniform rubbing and a few horizontal creases to same; three flecks of dried pen ink (contemporary, to be sure) near topmost fine-edge of back cover. Very Good. [Item #5163]

Price: $100.00