Silberman, Steve (Whalen, Philip)

Thanks For Asking: The Whalen Journal

Coventry, England, UK: Beat Scene Press, 2020. Limited First Edition. "In early May 1993, I got a call from Michael Wenger at San Francisco Zen Center. He told me that Philip Whalen needed someone to help him perform daily tasks, answer mail, take him shopping, and so on. I had reservations because my life is in a state of upheaval...I went to visit Philip in his room at Hartford Street Zen Center on May 14. We talked for a bit about the terms of the job, my reservations, etc. As I sat in front of him explaining, it occurred to me that I was the perfect person for the job...I decided to go along with the job, not only to help Philip, but also as a selfish act that might prove good salt for my soul." (from preface) A journal-diary by Steve Silberman (1957-2024), an author who conducted several published interviews with Beat Generation forefather Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997), in which he describes his experiences in the company of Philip Whalen (1923-2002), the great American Beat Generation/ San Francisco Renaissance poet & Zen Buddhist monk. Silberman's entries are dated from May 14- September 7, 1993; with a poignant Postscript dated June 27, 2002- the day after Whalen died, & Silberman visited the hospice where his body lay. Silberman keenly listened to & observed Whalen, & has recorded here many fascinating & profound anecdotes that of course include Whalen's memories of the Beat Generation & its primary figures at their height. With several reproductions of vintage photographs of Whalen & Co. taken in that heyday. From the collection of Kevin Ring, publisher of Beat Scene magazine & other indispensable productions (many available here), & our good friend.
Large-format chapbook in stapled wrappers. One of 200 hand-numbered copies published in November 2020 per colophon, this is copy No. 123/200. An outstanding & most insightful Whalen-related collectible; an instant rarity in this occasional series by the publisher of the indispensable Beat Scene magazine & Pocket Book series (many of which are available here). In very fine, substantially as-new condition with only a few tiny bumps, rubbings and minor scratching to front, back covers & stapled spine. Interior very fine with only small, faint bumps at corners of page leaves. Very Fine. [Item #8113]

Price: $45.00