Caplan, Ron; Federman, David

A Sampler

Toronto, Ontario, Canada: IS. 1967. First Printing. Stapled Wrappers. "Mental processes are fine / if they are sincerely meant" write Ron Caplan (b. 1945) and David Federman, on whom little is known but about whom we at TMB are mildly familiar. Federman is written of glowingly in the correspondence between Cleveland, OH bookseller and proprietor of the legendary Asphodel Book Shop, Jim Lowell (1932-2004). Lowell corresponded prolifically with Caplan and sometimes even financed Caplan-related productions -- as the correspondence between them shows. Your Devoted Managing Curator has had the pleasure of sifting through and doing scholarship on this correspondence himself and perhaps in the near future TMB will release some scholarship (outside of this curation, that is) to this effect. This book is a fruit of Caplan and Federman's many collaborations, and what the correspondence reveals is Caplan's deep, action-backed belief in Federman; he encouraged him, and worked tirelessly on his behalf at several stages. This tireless effort may make more sense in the following light: there is an article in Chicago's "Poetry" Magazine dating back to March 1965 (titled "T.S. Eliot: Memoir and Tribute") in which Federman writes of meeting Eliot "in the autumn of 1943." It's this sort of prestige that probably afforded Federmen the regard that Caplan affords him. Poems by both Caplan and Federman appear, with the latter appearing before the former (consonant, it seems, with the regard here alluded to). With Drawings by Elizabeth Coleman, wife of Victor Coleman, the famous Canadian poet and publisher. Chapbook in stapled wrappers: "A SAMPLER published as IS. three (sic) / in an edition of 300 copies by Victor Coleman at The Coach House Press / 317 (rear) Bathurst Street / Toronto 2B, Ontario, Canada / May, 1967." From the collection of scholar, poet and our dear friend Robin Eichele (b. 1941), noted Mimeograph Revolutionary & co-founder (with the late, great John Sinclair [1941-2024]) of the Detroit Artists’ Workshop. In strong near fine condition with only minor-to-moderate rubbing, shelf-wear, light bumping & scattered, light nicks & low-visibility scuffs to front, back covers & spine-edge; light-to-moderate age-toning throughout, otherwise clean. Near Fine. [Item #6445]

Price: $35.00