Pivano, Fernanda; Waldron, Daniel (Bukowski, Charles)

Charles Bukowski Laughing with the Gods: Interview by Fernanda Pivano

ISBN: 9780941543262
Northville, MI: Sundog Press, 2000. First English Language Edition. Softcover. “In 1980, the noted Italian writer and translator Fernanda Pivano came to the United States to interview Charles Bukowski. Her credentials as a literary Boswell were impressive. She had already interviewed, and written on Hemingway, Henry Miller, Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg and others who have come to define modern American literature–introducing them to the Italian reader. Her entree to Bukowski was provided by Joe Wolberg, a former philosophy professor who was manager of Ferlinghetti’s City Lights bookstore. Pivano visited Wolberg in San Francisco, where she was charmed by the novelty of a Mexican mariachi band, and enjoyed “sweet and delicious fruit” for breakfast at her hotel. Then the two flew to Los Angeles, and traveled in a rented car down to San Pedro where Bukowski's home was located. Ever the observing artist, she took note of the Hollywood scene, including its spiritual extension, Malibu, where F. Scott Fitzgerald had once lived. What follows is, first, an account in her own words, of her journey to see Bukowski, who she notes “was called Hank by his friends, Charles by his editors, and Henry ‘Hank’ Chinaski in his biographically-based works.” Then she orients us with some facts about his life and publications. Then comes the lengthy, probing, and deeply revealing interview itself; and following this are insightful analyses that sharpen and enlarge our understanding of Bukowski and his writing. A look at the productions of stage and screen adaptations of Bukowski’s work comes next, and finally a perceptive summing up. In all, it is a remarkable document. Fernanda Pivano demonstrates how universal is Bukowski’s appeal because she went home to Italy and published the book that follows in these pages. Its original was in Italian, of course. Translation has been made by Simona Viciani.”--Daniel Waldron, “Introduction.” Fernanda Pivano (1917-2009) was an Italian writer, journalist, translator, and critic whose career became defined by her meetings with a pantheon of some of the greatest literary icons of the last century. Offered today is the 2000 English edition of Charles Bukowski: Laughing with the Gods, Pivano’s writing about her journey to meet Charles Bukowski (1920-1994), and then the transcript of her interview with him. As the back cover states: “Coming to Bukowski’s home in San Pedro, California, Pivano found a man whose answers to her questions were frank, revealing, and sometimes shocking. In lengthy and productive sessions, she discovered a Bukowski both the same and different than his published works. The complete transcript of that remarkable interview is included in Charles Bukowski: Laughing with the Gods but it is only a part of this book, which is now being published in English for the first time. Pivano has surrounded the interview with a generous helping of comment, critique, and warmly worded appraisal.” Filled with wit, candor, humor, life-loathing, rapturous insights, and euphoric remembrances, Charles Bukowski: Laughing with the Gods is an incredible work that gives one of the most honest and intense examinations of Buk that exists. With all points in Debritto, F21, pg. 550. Trade-format softcover original. First (English) edition as stated at copyright page with reference to previous Italian edition, presumed first printing though not explicated as such thereon. In very fine condition with only very slight wear to fine edges, and light smudging to front, back covers & spine. Very Fine. [Item #8106]

Price: $30.00