Goodman, Paul

Tragedy & Comedy: Four Cubist Plays

Los Angeles, CA: Black Sparrow Press, 1970. Limited First Edition. Softcover. "In these pieces I have thought to make some cubist studies to underline dramatic plot and thought. The problem is to tell stories about people when the people are simply the agents of different kinds of plot, with the thoughts that motivate such plots. I then may add a little decoration, such as torches and bearskins or a beanstalk and a birthday cake." (from Preface) Four short one-act plays by Paul Goodman (1911-1972), the acclaimed American author, critic & public intellectual. The plays further employ "Cubist" methods earlier launched by Gertrude Stein, James Joyce & Samuel Beckett, with Goodman's own innovations & style. Each play is "after" a classical Greek tragedian or in one case the great French playwright Moliere. Trade-format softcover in perfect binding, an early production of the venerable Black Sparrow imprint. One of 750 un-numbered copies in this format, there were also 200 numbered & signed hardbound copies per colophon. An excellent reading copy of an important collectible in the prolific Goodman oeuvre, in relatively very fine condition with only very light rubbing, fading & faint scratching to front, back covers & spine; a bit of wear & some tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same. Interior very fine with only short, faint creases at upper edges of front endpaper & first few page leaves; tiny bumps at lower corners of a few of same. Very Fine. [Item #5395]

Price: $25.00