Creeley, Robert; Eichele, Robin; Sinclair, John et al.

Contexts of Poetry: Interviews 1961-1971

ISBN: 0877040257
Bolinas, CA, USA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973. First Edition. Signed and inscribed by Robert Creeley to Robin Eichele. Once known primarily for his association with the group called the “Black Mountain Poets,” Robert Creeley (1926-2005) was widely recognized as one of the most important and influential American poets of the 20th century. His poetry is noted for both its concision and emotional power. Offered here today is the 1973 compilation of interviews on literary theory, “Contexts of Poetry: Interviews 1961-1971”. "I have a curious feeling about the material here collected," Robert Creeley states in his introductory note to this ineffably important volume for Creeley scholars and students of mid-century American poetry alike. "The interviews took place in a variety of circumstances. In some cases the interviewers were particular friends who had come to our house, making the whole occasion happily relaxed and informal...The talking I did at the Vancouver Poetry Conference in company with Allen Ginsberg was part of a so-called class meeting and again the transcription was done by a friend and then student, George Butterick. John Sinclair--a man I liked and respected on the instant--in company with Robin Eichele managed to get me while we were both enjoying a timeout at a friend's house during the Berkeley Poetry Conference...The time between the first and last [interview collected here] is just about ten years." This book was privately printed by the Four Seasons Foundation, the lesser-known publishing outlet of famed editor Don Allen, whose "The New American Poetry 1945-1960" became the landmark anthology that familiarized the "new movements" in American poetry to mainstream literary culture. Cover photograph by Gerard Malanga, poet, photographer, and Warhol Factory associate. 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). Inscribed and signed by Creeley to Eichele, the inscription in thin blue ink on title page reads: “For Robin, Thanks! With love. Bob.” First and only edition, though not explicated as such at copyright page. Book is in relatively fine condition with light wear to fine edges, slight wear to spine, and minimal smudging to front and back covers. Fine. [Item #6578]

Price: $125.00