Various (Smith, Edward L. (Editor); Bukowski, Charles; Barker, David; Flanagan, Bob; Goodwin, Douglas; Jeffers, Robinson; Olson, Ted et al.)

Sure: The Charles Bukowski Newsletter No. 4 (1992)

Ojai, CA, USA: Ojai Valley Book Co., 1992. First Edition. Stapled Wrappers. “Charles Bukowski’s penchant for writing poems to and about his literary friends, mentors and enemies is part of an ancient and not necessarily always venerable tradition in literature. The poets of the Tang Dynasty in China (618-906 A.D.) often wrote poems for one another, out of friendship and out of respect for each other’s work. Although these poets had no way of knowing it then, many of their written communications would survive the invasions of both armies and centuries, and the products of their poetic correspondence–in loving translations–delight and edify us even to this day. In 19th century England, the Romantic poets wrote splendidly about other poets, whether about their poetic ancestors (like Keats in his famous sonnet lauding the Elizabethan George Chapman for his translation of Homer’s Odyssey) or in recognition of their contemporaries (like Shelley in “Adonais” mourning the premature loss of Keats). Less likely to survive are the poems of English and American Victorian poetasters, whose maudlin, affected correspondences spawned the tradition of greeting card verse.”--Ted Olson, “Bukowski and Jeffers”, Sure No. 4, pg 2. Founded, edited, and ran by Edward L. Smith, “Sure, The Charles Bukowski Newsletter” was a legendary, albeit short-lived, publication dedicated to the American literary colossus Charles Bukowski (1920–1994). While it only ran for 10 issues (the publication ceased upon the death of Buk), “Sure” was beloved by Bukowski fans the world over. Packed to the gills with poetry, essays, correspondence from and to Buk, and wildly outlandish sketches, each issue of “Sure” was as chaotic, disturbed, and fun as the poet it was dedicated to. Aside from Edward L. Smith (editor and creator), of whom little is known other than the fact that he was a prominent West Coast bookseller, the team responsible for the publication of “Sure” was relatively small, however, it is clear in reading their issues that each and every one was lovingly tended and that everyone involved was a true Bukowski enthusiast. Offered today is the issue that ushered in the glorious year of 1992, “Sure, the Charles Bukowski Newsletter No. 4”. “Sure No. 4”, like most issues of “Sure”, is an amalgamation of poetry, fan mail, Bukowski sketches, short fiction, correspondences with Buk and of course reviews. This particular issue, however, seems to be more focused on writing on Buk’s work and life rather than the promotion of fan works and letters. Endemic of this are pieces like Ted Olson’s “Bukowski and Jeffers” which is an essay dedicated to the poetic tradition and Buk’s love for the greatly underrated California poet Robinson Jeffers (1887–1962); Bob Flannagan’s “On Bukowski and his Paintings” which, as the title suggests, analyzes and appreciates the more distinctly artistic works of Bukowski and his lineage as it pertains to that medium rather than the literary sphere for which he’s more well-known; and David Barker’s “Druken Buddha of Delongpre” which seems to examine and revel in the legacy and might of Bukowski’s colossal shadow that hanged, and continues to hang over the American writer today. Stapled wrappers. First & only edition. Book is in very fine condition with only minimal wear to fine edges. Very Fine. [Item #6691]

Price: $35.00