Samperi, Frank

The Triune

Long Island, NY: J & E Press, 1969. First Edition. Stapled Wrappers. Frank Samperi (1933-1991) was an American poet born and based, primarily, in New York. An autodidact influenced by Thomas Aquinas and Dante Alighieri, Samperi was mentored by poets Louis Zukofsky (1904-1978) and Cid Corman (1924–2004). His poems engage themes of spirituality and transcendence. In a 2008 essay on Samperi’s poetics for Jacket Magazine, J. Townsend observes, “There is a level of hermetic intimacy within Samperi’s work that creates a fascinating contrast to the vast metaphysical field with which he philosophically engages. The instances of connection are expansive; a sudden sight finds its origin within an overarching spiritual nature.” Samperi published more than 20 poetry collections during his lifetime, including the trilogy The Prefiguration (1971), Quadrifariam (1973), and Lumen Gloriae (1973), as well as The Kingdom (1979) and Alfa ed O (1976). An introduction to Samperi’s work can be found in the posthumously published volume Spiritual Necessity: Selected Poems of Frank Samperi (2004, edited by John Martone). Offered today is The Triune (1969). Published by the once-legendary-now-defunct J & E Press, Samperi’s The Triune exploded onto the scene in ‘69 and revitalized it with Samperi’s Aquinas-meets-Alighieri style. Samperi, though not a household name, had a sensibility and approach to his work that was endemic of the counter-cultural scene of the 60’s & 70’s. The Triune is at once experimental and abstract, while also managing to be grounded in a prosaic milieu. A rare volume of Samperi that we luckily procured from the collection of Thomas Fitzsimmons (1926-2017), noted American poet, academician & editor, which we have been honored to obtain from his son, Ian Fitzsimmons. Stapled Wrappers. First edition though not explicated as such, first printing though similarly not explicated as such. Book is in very fine condition with only minimal wear to fine edges and light discoloration to front and back covers. Very Fine. [Item #6896]

Price: $300.00