Blackburn, Paul

Three Dreams and an Old Poem

Buffalo, NY: University Press of Buffalo, 1970. First Limited Edition. Stapled Wrappers. Signed and inscribed by editor Allen Deloach. “Here we are, see? / in this village, maybe a camp / middle of desert, the / Maghreb, desert below Marrakesh / standing in the street / simply.” (lines 1-6 of “At The Well” unpaginated) Presented here is The Beau Fleuve Series Number One: Three Dreams and an Old Poem by Paul Blackburn (1926-1971) the great Black Mountain-&-Beyond "poet's poet" & translator. Born in St. Albans, Vermont, Blackburn was separated from his birth parents and would be raised by his maternal grandparents until he was about fourteen, when he was able to reconnect with his mother. She invited him to live in Greenwich Village and after accepting her offer he found a newfound commitment to poetry. He would eventually enroll at NYU in 1945 but would actually graduate from the University of Wisconsin five years later in 1950. While at college he read prolifically, undergoing independent study of Ezra Pound (1885-1972), whose influence can definitely be noticed in Blackburns work — though, no poet can really escape Modernist influence — and was even able to meet Pound at St. Elizabeths Hospital, in Washington, D.C. This connection would bring him to Robert Creeley (1926-2005) and eventually he “met” (either in person, or over correspondence) the following authors: Denise Levertov (1923-1997), Charles Olson (1910-1970), Joel Oppenheimer (1930-1988), Jonathan Williams (1929-2008), among several others. Three Dreams and an Old Poem is a proper testament to Blackburn’s poetic prowess and musicality, a must-have collectible for any fan of the Black Mountain poets. 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: “This book is printed in a limited edition of one thousand copies, the first one hundred of which are signed and numbered by the author.” as stated at copyright page. Chapbook is in fine to very fine condition with mild toning of front and back wrappers; a brown marking on front cover near upper edge; a blue marking on back cover near lower edge; and very minor bumping to fine edges. Signed and inscribed in black ink at title page, “ for Tom — / with Love & Dove / Allen” (see photo). Fine-Very Fine. [Item #6913]

Price: $20.00