Various (Friedland, Helen (Editor); Bukowski, Charles; Coleman, Wanda; Locklin, Gerald et al.)

Poetry/LA No. 2 (Spring/Summer 1981)

Los Angeles, CA: Poetry/LA, 1981. First Printing. Softcover. "I was trying to write./ I was barely existing./ I mostly typed dirty things/ for the girly magazines.// Eddie was trying to paint./ he was barely existing/ but he was luckier than/ I: he lived in this big/ house/ with this beautiful girl/ who was/ taking care of him.// Eddie and I were/ drinking together./ we did our work/ plenty of it but we/ drank plenty too." (Charles Bukowski, "Two Drunks," first three stanzas, pg. 76) This vintage second number of the Los Angeles, California poetry journal edited by Helen Friedland (1916-2012) features three exemplary poems by Charles Bukowski (1920-1994), the legendary cult-favorite poet-denizen of the dive bar & racetrack- & famous LA resident: "An Unliterary Afternoon," "Two Drunks"(quoted above) & "The Poetry Game." (pgs. 74-81, Debritto, B1141, pg. 308) Also in this issue are contributions of poetry by Wanda Coleman (1946-2013, the acclaimed "Unofficial Poet Laurete of Los Angeles"); venerable editor Friedland; Gerald Locklin (1941-2021), the noted poet & former editor of Chiron Review who was Bukowski's close friend & colleague; & many more. Trade-format softcover, presumed first-&-only printing. A rich & important second-to-earliest issue in this most-collectible Los Angeles-centric series, of special interest to the Bukowski devotee-completist. In relatively quite very fine condition with only very slight rubbing, faint scratching & a hint of age-toning to front, back covers & spine; a touch of wear & a few tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same. Interior very fine with only tiny bumps & small, faint creases at esp. lower corners of some page leaves. Very Fine. [Item #7703]

Price: $25.00