Various (Bukowski, Charles; Locklin, Gerald et al.)

The Wormwood Review Vol. 21 No.s 1-2 (Issue 81/82, 1981)

Storrs, CT: Wormwood Review, 1981. First Printing. Stapled Wrappers. This volume of Marvin Malone’s (1930-1996) noted, long running literary journal, “The Wormwood Review” boasts, to the delight of Charles Bukowski (1920-1994) collectors-&-enthusiasts, a 19 pg. suite of literature and drawings by the beer-swilling, bestial, and stubbornly iconic Bukowski. Denoted by its having been printed on orange paper (in contrast to the standard, workman’s white on which the rest of the issue is printed), the section begins on pg. 15, and ends on pg. 34. While consisting mostly of poetry—and more specifically, of the poet’s signature narrative verse—his prose is not entirely absent from this here offering. 3 prose works — [1] “A Friend,” [2] “The Trashing of the Dildo,” & [3] “The German Hotel” — combine with the thematic poem suite further described below, and delightfully fatten this collectible (from both a “readerly,” as well as a “collector-considerate” standpoint). The poem suite, whose full title is “Charles Bukowski’s Good-By to Hollywood (Plus Four Drawings)” [sic] shelters a grand total of eight poems. A full list of his contributions — both of poetry & prose, & in the order they appear — reads as follows: [1] “All Together Now”; [2] “Hollywood Ranch Market”; [3] “Edith Sent Us”; [4] “Night School”; [5] “The Old Pinch Hitter”; [6] “Scarlet”; [7] “A Friend”; [8] “Have a Nice Day”; [9] “Chill”; [10] “The Trashing of the Dildo”; [11] “The German Hotel.” As for drawings mentioned in the section’s title, they are interspersed throughout the works. Despite their technical ineptitude, and the fact of their being generally inartful, they are also seemingly imbued with an infectious, beery giddiness that renders them, well, charming. Bukowski also notably contributes the cover design for this issue, — his three-lettered, printed signature easily spotted at the bottom right-hand corner of the journal’s front cover. Along with the Swami of Sleaze, a total of sixteen additional contributors appear. The most noteworthy among them [for our Dedicated, Fellow Beat-&-Beyonders, anyways] is Gerald Locklin (1941-2021), the lauded, late poet & critic. Locklin contributes a witty, page-length poem (“The Falcon Cannot Hear the Maltese Falconer”) and a self-effacing, 5-line stinger (titled “Poem Shorter Than Its Epigraph”). For a fuller contributor list, see the image of the journal’s back cover accompanying this listing. Small-format magazine in stapled wrappers; the first (and only) printing of this Bukowski-clad issue of Malone's storied Wormwood Review. In very fine condition with only minute-to-minor shelf wear to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers & spine-edge; a few microscopic exhibits of bumping present at/along same, exceedingly minor in all instances; while moderate-to-enunciated rusting is present at staples (both interior and exterior), the effect is remarkably contained — not a fleck of bleeding to be anywhere found; and the interior crisp and clean, besides. Very Fine. [Item #5277]

Price: $85.00