King, Linda

Broadside/ Postcard: "There is no sadness..."

San Francisco, CA: Sore Dove Press, 2010. Second Edition. “We're all going to die, all of us, what a circus! That alone should make us love each other but it doesn't. We are terrorized and flattened by trivialities, we are eaten up by nothing.”—Charles Bukowski. Offered today is the small (5.5x8.5), rare, and wonderfully DIY-esque broadside There is No Sadness (2010) by Linda King (b. 1940). King is an American sculptor, playwright, and poet; perhaps best known for her long-term relationship with the great American author described by some as “the poet laureate of American Lowlife,” Charles Bukowski (1920–1994). Though the relationship was often volatile, chaotic, and even physically abusive (on one occasion in 1971, Buk broke her nose during an argument), the two were together throughout most of the 1970’s. The two finally separated for good in 1975,when one night an intoxicated King threw Bukowski's typewriter and books onto the street, angry at his infidelities. The incident is detailed in Bukowski's novel Women (1978), whose leading character, Lydia Vance, is based on King. King’s work (See items #7384, 7386, 7382, 7378, 7374, 7372, and 7370) is not only raw and deeply intimate, often reflecting aspects of her own personal life, but also contains a cynical darkness reminiscent of her former paramour’s own works. There is No Sadness is short, concise, raw, and charged with a subtle, yet, powerful sense of optimism. A testament to King’s ability to supercharge even short pieces with incredible emotion and literary integrity, There is No Sadness is a work that any fan of the poetic form, or literary scholar would be loath to go without. The back of the broadside contains an inscription in thick black ink that reads: "By Linda King" which could be written by King herself (although it looks different from her signature on other items [see items #7384, and 7382]. Broadside. Second edition as indicated by lack of number and red print as stated on back. In very fine condition with only minimal wear to fine edges. Very Fine. [Item #7368]

Price: $30.00