Buckley, Christopher

Last Days of the Hot Rod Kids: Prose Poems

ISBN: 1886361126
Fairfield, IA: Blue Light Press, 2004. First Edition, First Printing. Inscribed, signed (twice) & dated by Christopher Buckley to Dan Rzicznek. "Tuck Schneider, Fowler, Sozzi and me, thinking we were someone with Butch Wax, Brylcreem, Wild Root Cream Oil and more in our hair, whipped it into waves that peaked and never broke -- flat tops, fenders, wings, waterfall spit curls in front -- a glimmering, Doo Wap, quintessential sea of grease..." (Christopher Buckley, from title poem, pgs. 5-7). Christopher Buckley (b. 1948) native Californian, poet and Fulbright Award in Creative Writing winner (no relation to the son of William F. Buckley, Jr.) waxes eloquently about bygone eras, his own impending doom, and conspiracy theories in his book of prose-poems, "The Last Days of the Hot Rod Kids". In the title work (pgs. 5-7), Buckley describes a clique of teenagers and the growing pains they face in 1950s America. In "My History of Ancient Egypt" (pgs. 8-9) he uses his mastery of language to paint an idealized picture of Ancient Egypt. "Productivity" (pgs. 25-27) has Buckley complaining about getting older and complacent while also comparing himself to his grandfather. The piece de resistance is a hilarious American literary icon Charles Bukowski (1920-1994) POV letter where Buckley imagines how Bukowski would advise him to live his life ("After a Reading, Charles Bukowski Returns & Gives Me the Lowdown on Fame, Mutability, the Afterlife, et al...", pgs. 22-24). Inscribed, signed & dated in black ink at title page: "For Dan | Best Wishes | in poetry + prose | Chris | 2004". Under his printed name on title page, Buckley has signed his name "Christopher Buckley". "Dan" is Dan Rzicznek (b. 1979), an esteemed Ohio poet who is also an academician at Bowling Green State University. At top left of inner front cover, Rzicznek has signed his ownership name "F. Daniel Rzicznek". Chapbook in stapled wrappers. Presumed first edition, first and only printing though neither explicated as such at copyright page. A rich & rewarding collectible (Esp. for that bukowski easter egg!) in its rarest contemporary form, greatly enhanced by the poet's inscription, signature and date & with distinguished provenance. In relatively very fine condition with only minimal wear to fine edges and very slight smudging to front and back cover; minor chipping, rubbing to text block. Interior very fine with no recognizable imperfections. Very Fine. [Item #7796]

Price: $25.00