Coleman, Victor

From Eric Satie's Notes to the Music 'Nine Poems'

Toronto, OH, USA: Island Press, 1965. First Edition. Stapled Wrappers. Inscribed & signed by Victor Coleman to Robin Eichele. “the light goes out / the flame goes out // to be gone as / light as substance // stance not firm on / the ground or // in the air but / shuffle shuffle // but to the grave / that ends things // as they were / and are too” (“11. Lent et triste,” pg. 2) Presented here is a truly rare and special collectible indeed—one of ninety-nine copies and one of fifteen copies that were signed by Canadian poet and editor, Victor Coleman (b.1944). Dedicated to Jack Spicer (1925-1965), friend of fellow poets Robert Duncan (1919-1988) and Robin Blaser (1925-2009) and key actor in San Francisco’s renaissance—though not a Beat Brother, don’t get it twisted—Coleman’s From Erik Satie’s Notes to the Music: ‘nine poems’ was his first collection of published poems at Oxford’s College of Arts in Toronto, OH. Coleman’s better known for his role as First Editor at Coach House Books, the leading publisher of experimental Canadian poetry, which had its humble beginning in 1965 and then temporary dissolution in 1996. From the collection of scholar, poet and our dear friend Robin Eichele (b. 1941), noted Mimeograph Revolutionary & co-founder of the Detroit Artists’ Workshop with the late, great John Sinclair (1941-2024). Chapbook in stapled wrappers: “This book was printed in October, 1965 by Island Press in an edition of 99 copies, fifteen of which are numbered and signed by author” as stated at colophon. This book is no. 13 of 15 signed copies of this book as indicated at title page. Book is in Fine condition with mild smudging on front and back covers, and more pronounced rubbing, smudging at spine. Some sticking between first page and inner front cover, and evidence where they had been pulled apart before and some remains of first page are stuck to inner front cover. Signed by previous owner (“Robin Eichele”) on back of first page and an inscription from the author on upper right of title page that reads: “June // where the bird flies is / where the bird / returns or turns to / w/ love / Victor” along with “For Robin” in upper left corner. Fine. [Item #6496]

Price: $350.00