Baxter, Charles

The South Dakota Guidebook

London, England, UK: New Rivers Press, 1974. First Softcover Edition. Softcover. Inscribed, signed & dated by Charles Baxter to Laurence & Nancy Goldstein. “The wind burrows into the ground. / Small animals rush away from water, / matchstick fires on their backs. / The apple tree opens. A girl is inside. / Windows have barbed wire around them, / spreading thin lines across the glass. / It is no use. / I open the door all night, / but no traveler comes in.”—Charles Baxter, “Trying to Forget the Self,” pg 69. Charles Baxter (b. 1947) is an American poet, novelist and essayist who, among many other things, was the director of the MFA program for Creative Writing at the University of Michigan for many years. Some of Baxter’s most well-known works include the novels: First Light (1987); Shadow Play (1993); and The Sun Collective (2020). Alternatively, some of Baxter’s most well-loved works of poetry include Chameleon (1970) and Imaginary Paintings (1989). Offered today is Baxter’s only other (as of the writing of this curation) collection of poetry, The South Dakota Guidebook (1974). Reflective of its cover art, The South Dakota Guidebook is a work that is expansive, devoid of needless frills, quiet, contemplative, and dark. Baxter’s short, concise lines along with his reserved, and often straightforward diction makes each poem propulsive and alluring; almost daring the reader to put the volume down. A voice that seems to be equal parts Dostoevsky, Robinson Jeffers, Allen Ginsberg, and Jorge Louis Borges, Baxter’s writing imbues each poem with an undeniable energy and profound insight. An incredible volume by a woefully underappreciated poet. From the collection of Laurence Goldstein (1943-2023), poet, editor, and professor in the University of Michigan Department of English Language and Literature. Signed and inscribed in thin blue ink at title page by Charles Baxter to Laurence Goldstein & his wife, our good friend Nancy Goldstein: “For Larry and Nancy, / With best wishes, / Charlie / July 6, 1987.” Softcover. First softcover edition though not explicated as such at copyright page, presumed first printing though similarly not explicated thereon. In relatively fine-to-very-fine condition with moderate wear to fine edges, light smudging/staining to front and back covers, and slight discoloration to interior and exterior due to age. Fine-Very Fine. [Item #8044]

Price: $125.00