Olson, Charles

Charles Olson: Selected Writings

New York, NY: New Directions Publishing Corporation, 1966. First Softcover Edition. Softcover. "In any discussion of contemporary poetics the name of Charles Olson will almost inevitably come to the fore. An iconoclastic and controversial figure, Olson has developed theories on the writing and understanding of poetry which place him, historically, as a bridge between the first leaders of the modern movement...and some of the most important later innovators. This collection, drawn from many earlier books, presents Olson in the dual role of poet and theoretician." (from back cover) The most comprehensive compendium of poetry & prose published during the lifetime of Charles Olson (1910-1970)- Master of Densely Allusive Obscurity, key mentor of the Black Mountain School, Founding Explicator of "Projective Verse," our favorite Sphinx-of-Letters. With an illuminating introduction by Robert Creeley (1926-2005), Olson's protege at the Black Mountain School & among the greatest Beat-&-Beyond poets; & a sweeping selection of Olson's most important poems, essays & miscellaneous writings that demonstrate "...the range and content of Olson's intelligence." (from back cover) Trade-format softcover in sewn binding, first softcover edition issued simultaneously with first hardcover edition, first printing as stated on copyright page, an exemplary production of James Laughlin's fabled New Directions imprint. See our many Olson- & creeley-related items. An excellent resource for the Olson collector & scholar, in its penultimately rarest original form. In relatively fine condition with mild-to-moderate rubbing, scratching & light browning to front, back covers & spine; very slight wear & a few tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same; light browning, rubbing & occasional light spot-staining to edges of text block. Interior fine with previous owner's last name hand-written in blue ink near & parallel with upper side edge of front endpaper/shorter title page; a hint of browning at blank inner covers & blank margins/edges of page leaves; tiny bumps, faint creases at mostly upper corners of some leaves. Fine. [Item #5510]

Price: $30.00 save 20% $24.00