Various (van Aelstyn, Edward (Editor); Bukowski, Charles; Dickey, William; Jameson, Demetrios; Murray, Philip; Turner, Ralph; Stone, R.L. et al.)

Northwest Review Vol. 5 No. 4 (Fall 1962)

Eugene, OR: University of Oregon, 1962. first Printing. Softcover. A vintage number of the literary, art & cultural journal published by the University of Oregon & then-edited by Edward van Aelstyn (1936-2018), the noted actor-director, editor & academician. Featuring three early poems by Charles Bukowski (1920-1994), the cult favorite poet-denizen of the dive bar & the racetrack- "The Pleasures of the Damned,' "The Dead Flowers of Myself" & "Woman on the Street." (pgs. 112-113, Debritto, B119, pg. 139). It is worth quoting an abridgement of Aelstyn's comments in this Debritto entry: "Bukowski sent us a lot of poems when I was at NWR, and a lot of letters...I (was) amazed and amused at how passionate he was, and how eager he was to make contact with anyone who would appreciate his work. We published some of his poems, but I'm afraid I appreciated his writing less than posterity would have expected. Our correspondence was to some extent a friendly argument, he seemed to me to say that a real man, and a real artist, devoted himself to drinking and sex...Charles and I had our differences. Grist for animated conversation." Also in this issue are more contributions of poetry by William Dickey et al.; dense essays by R.L. Stone & others; portfolios of paintings by Demetrios Jameson & photographs by Ralph Turner; contemporary reviews & an index to volumes 1-5 of the NWR. Trade-format softcover, presumed first-&-only printing. A scarce & significant issue in this most-collectible series, of particular importance to the Bukowski devotee-completist. In relatively near-fine condition with mild-to-moderate rubbing, mostly faint scratching, spotting & occasional spot-staining to front, back covers & spine; mild wear & some tiny bumps, creases at/from edges & corners of same; mild rubbing, age toning & faint scratching to edges of text block. Interior (again relatively) fine with clipping of first leaf upper corner; very slight age toning to inner covers & page leaves, chiefly at blank margins/edges; tiny bumps, faint creases at corners, edges & margins of some leaves. Near Fine. [Item #7471]

Price: $90.00