Various (Jenkins, Joyce (Editor); Bukowski, Charles; Kessler, Stephen et al.)

Poetry Flash: A Poetry Review & Literary Calendar for the West No. 252 (Mid-April-May 1994)

Berkeley, CA: Joyce Jenkins, 1994. First Printing. Loose Folded Sheets. "I'm still not sure what's harder to believe, (Charles Bukowski's) death last month at seventy-three or the fact that he lasted that long. Hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer at thirty-five and informed by his doctors that alcohol was killing him, Bukowski upon release immediately resumed drinking and began writing poetry in earnest. This combination of antisocial activities kept him going for nearly another forty years. The work he produced in that time, the poems and stories and novels, sustained a consistently high level of quality even as his style evolved from one informed by rage and pain and fear to a gentler, more philosophical acceptance of life's inevitable griefs. The fact that he'd endured so much and continued to write so well made him seem indestructible. And that's why it's so hard to believe he's dead." (Stephen Kessler, "Bukowski, 1920-1994: "The words have saved my ass"," pg. 1) This number of the venerable literary journal & calendar edited & published by Joyce Jenkins features a front-page article-obituary in tribute to Charles Bukowski (1920-1994), the great American cult-favorite poet-denizen of the dive bar & racetrack. Quoted above, the admiring article by Stephen Kessler (b. 1947, the noted American poet, journalist & translator) was published here during the month following Bukowski's death, & delves deeply into & critiques his life & work. (pgs. 1, 10-12; Debritto, F650, pg. 627). With a captioned late photograph of Bukowski with his wife Linda Lee, drink in hand (pg. 1). Also in this issue are more articles, poetry, reviews, ads & as ever a very extensive calendar of literary events in California. Newspaper-format journal in loose sheets folded horizontally & vertically, first-&-only printing. A very scarce & significant collectible in its singularly rarest contemporary form, of highest interest to the Bukowski devotee-completist. In relatively fine condition with mild-to-moderate age-toning to covers & pages esp. at blank margins/edges; slight wear, irregularities & some tiny bumps, creases, chips & occasional short, closed tears at edges, corners & folds. Fine. [Item #7598]

Price: $40.00