Andrews, Tom

The Hemophiliac's Motorcycle: Poems

ISBN: 9780877454526
Iowa City, IA: University of Iowa Press, 1994. First Edition. Softcover. Dated, inscribed, and twice signed by Tom Andrews. “May the Lord Jesus Christ bless the hemophiliac’s motorcycle…” begins the title poem of this collection; Tom Andrews (1961-2001) expresses his gratitude for being unknowingly blessed as a young adrenaline junkie unaware that any routine incident could be his end. Andrews was not diagnosed with hemophilia (a genetic disorder causing a lack of blood clotting factors) until he was a teenage motocross racer and ended up in the hospital after slipping on ice. It is paradoxical that a dangerous activity would be the passion of someone with a high-risk health condition, but it is not uncommon. The internal struggle to live a joyful life while remaining aware of one’s own limitations is relatable to anyone, but the heightened risk factor of hemophilia creates a stronger fear that must be overcome to participate in any ordinary activity, let alone a dangerous one. Realizing that the fear can be overcome, though, makes any larger fear less daunting. His memoir Codeine Diary: True Confessions of a Reckless Hemophiliac dives deeper into his struggle to balance his health and safety with his adrenaline-seeking. Part IV of this volume (“Codeine Diary”) is made up of excerpts from his diary during his stint in the hospital which includes recollections of his childhood effort to break a world record of continuous clapping (which he achieved at the age of 11). Susannah Mintz, professor at Skidmore College, analyzes Andrews’ themes of masculinity and vulnerability in this collection, “In these various juxtapositions, the associations of masculinity with noteworthy accomplishment and illness with a weakening of male identity emerge as mere accidentals, consequences of arbitrary cultural assumption.” (“Lyric Bodies: Poets on Disability and Masculinity,” Publications of the Modern Language Association of America, 2012, pg. 250). Andrews tragically passed away at the age of 40 after developing thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura as a consequence of his hemophilia. From the collection of Laurence Goldstein (1943-2023), a renowned poet, author, critic, editor & academician here at the University of Michigan. Inscription in thin, blue ink on first front endpaper reads, “April 1994 / For Larry / with much admiration / and gratitude for this / support of my work— / (signed) Tom.” Andrews has also slashed through his printed name and signed below it on the title page in the same thin, blue ink. Trade-Format Softcover Original: first edition, first printing as indicated by number sequence on copyright page. In fine-to-very-fine condition with only slight bumping to the fine edges and corners of front, back covers & spine; minor crease to the bottom right corner of front cover; very mild scratching to covers. Interior very fine, appearing substantially mint. Fine-Very Fine. [Item #7950]

Price: $35.00