Various (Stettner, Irving (Editor); Matsushita, Toshi; McElderry, R.E.; Miller, Henry; Resnick, Joseph; Roth, David M.; Trantino, Tommy et al.)

Stroker No. 42 (1989)

New York, NY, USA: Stroker, 1989. First Printing. Stapled Wrappers. This number of the literary-art-cultural journal edited by NYC St. Marks Place underground denizen Irving Stettner (1922-2004) features an art-critical essay, "Knud Merrild: A Holiday in Paint," by Henry Miller (1891-1980), the great American author & artist whose earlier works presaged & were an inspiration to the Beat Generation. (pgs. 10-13, Shifreen & Jackson, C730, pg. 831). Merrild (1894-1954), the acclaimed Danish painter, sculptor & ceramicist, was an admired friend of Miller. Also in this issue: The poem "Dizzy Spells" by the Japanese poet Toshi Matsushita, in Japanese & English (as translated by the poet & editor Stettner) on opposite pages; three poems by Joseph Resnick; the short but intense travelogue-essay "Manhattan: An Insider's Guide to Oblivion" by David M. Roth; "An Open Letter to Stroker" & six artworks by Tommy Trantino (b. 1938), a convicted murderer who spent four decades in prison & who exhibited talent in art & writing; & much more. With contemporary ads for East Village eateries, stores etc. following contributions. Chapbook-format journal in stapled wrappers, presumed first-&-only printing. Another rich & varied, charmingly do-it-yourself issue in this rare & collectible series that exemplifies the later Mimeograph Revolution NYC Lower East Side Zine era, of particular interest to the Henry Miller devotee-completist. In relatively fine-to-very-fine condition with mild rubbing, mostly faint scratching, age-toning & occasional spotting to front, back covers & stapled spine; a touch of wear & some tiny bumps, creases at/from edges & corners of same; one mostly very faint vertical crease across middle of front cover. Interior very fine with only a hint of age-toning to inner covers; crease noted above at inner front cover; one light spot at middle right margin of recto first page leaf (first contents page) just above star drawing; tiny bumps at corners of some leaves. Fine-Very Fine. [Item #7837]

Price: $50.00