Brakhage, Stan; Brakhage, Jane

Metaphors on Vision (Film Culture No. 30, Fall 1963)

New York, NY, USA: Film Culture Inc., 1963. First Edition. Stapled Wrappers. "Here is METAPHORS ON VISION: it is a collection of writings on the film and, in particular, on the film as Stan Brakhage sees and makes it. Yet more significantly it is a testament of what makes mythopoeic art. Mythopoeia is the often attempted and seldom achieved result of making a myth new or making a new myth." (Introduction by P. Adams Sitney, first paragraph) This vintage issue of Film Culture is entirely devoted to the great experimental avant-garde American filmmaker (James) Stan(ley) Brakhage (1933-2003). Consisting of an extensive interview with Brakhage conducted by Film Culture editor P(aul) Adams Sitney (1944-2025), the eminent American cinema historian; along with Brakhage's various writings & poetry, still images from his films, reproductions of his notes & drawings etc. In these dense, fine-printed pages, Brakhage discusses his films; his close collaboration with his then-wife, the noted artist-writer Jane Brakhage (later Wodening, 1936-2023); his inspiring colleagues & mentors including Robert Creeley, Michael McClure, Charles Olson & many others familiar to Third Minds; & more. Large-format journal-volume in stapled wrappers, a stunningly artful production quite worthy & evocative of its cutting-edge author-subject with textured covers & spine, hole at front cover revealing negative image of Brakhage's eye at front endpaper etc. The original loose wrapper is present between inner front cover & front endpaper, unfortunately but neatly closed-torn at left edge, & so separated but complete, also moderately age-toned & with mild creasing, scratching & edgewear. From the collection of Albert Glover (b. 1942), the acclaimed American poet, author, bibliographer, editor & publisher whom we're honored to be acquainted with, & who is the foremost living authority on Olson, the canonical American poet among the most Gigantic (literally & literarily) men-of-letters of the twentieth century- our favorite Maximus Obscurantist. Glover studied with & was anointed by the Maximus Master himself, & has outstandingly served as his bibliographer & editor (see for example our item No. 8126). As noted above, Olson is among those referred to by Brakhage here, extensively. An essential, foundational, monumental Brakhage collectible in its singularly rarest contemporary form, with most-distinguished & relevant provenance. The issue-volume itself is in very fine condition with only slight age toning mostly at blank margins/edges of page leaves; tiny bumps at a few of same. The only source of our slight down-grading is the wrap-around band described above. Fine-Very Fine. [Item #8140]

Price: $300.00