Various (Stettner, Irving (Editor); Falk, Hans; Miller, Henry; Trantino, Tommy et al.)

Stroker (Special Issue, 1979)

ISBN: 0918154111
New York, NY, USA: Stroker, 1979. First Edition. Stapled Wrappers. “It makes me feel so good to know there is a comparatively unknown little magazine in the heart of Second Avenue (ghetto to the world) in which I am granted full freedom of speech. It’s also ironic that someone like myself cannot find an outlet in an American magazine of any repute. To be sure, our one-time good mags have all disappeared. Everything of value is disappearing today in “the greatest country in the world”. We are now in a sense “deep in the heart of Texas”, (Oswald Spengler would have phrased it differently.) So would Céline and Cendrars.” (from “From your Capricorn Friend” pg. 8) Presented here is the ninth issue of the literary art-cultural journal edited by NYC St. Marks Place underground denizen Irving Stettner (1922-2004) and features the letter “From your Capricorn Friend” by Henry Miller (1891-1980) the celebrated American author & artist whose earlier works were an influence & inspiration to the Beat Generation. Also featured in this special issue are ink sketches from influential Swiss Modernist painter Hans Falk (1918-2010) preceded by a letter he wrote to Stroker magazine after the last issue, more works from Miller like the opening poem “First & Last Poem (dedicated to Sevasty Koutsaftis)” (pg. 5) and succeeding watercolor painting, and intriguing writings & accompanying illustrations from ‘prison born’ artist Tommy Trantino (b.1938) Chapbook-format journal in stapled wrappers, presumed first-&-only printing. Shifreen & Jackson, C612-615, pg 825. A quintessential exemplar of the later Mimeograph Revolution NYC Lower East Side Zine era; an essential collectible from this scarce & significant series. Book is in Fine condition with a mild yellow/brown marking across front cover, very faint remains of pencil scribbling “No. 9” next to “Stroker Special 1979”, and signs of general wear and age such as rubbing along front and back covers. Fine. [Item #6658]

Price: $50.00