Blue Cloud, Peter

I am Turtle: Poems- Songs- Stories/ Ich bin Schildkrote: Gedichte- Leider- Geschichten

ISBN: 398026582X
Osnabruck, Germany: Osnabruck Bilingual Editions of Minority Authors/ VC-Verlagscooperative, 1991. First Edition Thus. Softcover. "In carefully selecting and translating some of (Peter Blue Cloud's) poems and stories, we have tried to reflect the author's special eye, his holistic view, his mind going back and forth, perceiving in circles and cycles without overlooking reality, obstacles in the history of the Natives themselves and of mankind. We have tried to follow his opening up to the rhythm and flow of nature and the universe. The turtle as a symbol represents much of this: I am Turtle,/ And the Ocean of my Life Swim/ Is a Single Chant in the Creation." (from Preface) A compilation of poems, prose & lyrics by Peter Blue Cloud (Aroniawenrate, 1933-2011), the acclaimed & award-winning Native American/ First (Mohawk) Nation Canadian poet-folklorist. This volume is a bilingual production with English & German-language versions of Blue Cloud's collected writings on opposite pages. The translations from English into German were done by a group of students at the University of Osnabruck, Germany, the co-publisher of this edition, per copyright page. Trade-format softcover original, first edition, first printing, though neither specified thereon. With reproductions of Blue Cloud's artworks & motifs at front cover & throughout. From the archive of Thomas Rain Crowe (b. 1949), the acclaimed American poet who was at the center of the Baby Beat Generation/ Second San Francisco Renaissance during the 1970s. The TRC archive was acquired, assembled & catalogued by Third Mind Books as a single item (see our item No. 1010), & its vast number of individual pieces are now being offered incrementally throughout this year of 2025. The TRC archive collectively represents the entire legacy of the BBG/SSFR, & its critical collaborations-mentorships by key figures of the original Beat Generation/ San Francisco Renaissance. See also Starting From San Francisco (item No. 3071), published by TMB, to obtain a thorough understanding of this important literary phenomenon from Crowe himself. Blue Cloud is referenced in several instances within SFSF- Crowe was highly influenced by Native American culture & folklore since childhood, & even changed his name from Dawson. He was close with Blue Cloud, & both were very close with Gary Snyder (b. 1930), the canonical Primary Poet of the Beat Generation/ San Francisco Renaissance & environmentalist who was of course a key mentor & colleague to Crowe & his group. A very scarce, rich & rewarding Blue Cloud collectible, with distinguished & relevant provenance. See also our item No.s 5043, 7308, 7408. In relatively quite fine condition with mild rubbing, mostly faint scratching & occasional spotting to front, back covers & spine; light wear & some tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same; mild rubbing & spotting to edges of text block. Interior fine-to-very-fine with mild-to-moderate rubbing, spotting to blank inner covers; tiny bumps at corners of some page leaves. Fine. [Item #7406]

Price: $50.00