Baxter, Charles

Imaginary Paintings

ISBN: 0945167245
Latham, NY: Paris Review Editions/ British American Publishing, 1989. First Edition. Softcover. Inscribed, signed & dated by Charles Baxter to Laurence & Nancy Goldstein. "I read Charles Baxter's Imaginary Paintings with intense pleasure. This is poetry of the first order, characterized by an anguished, almost inconsolable lyricism, utterly immersed in the life that is, a life that tends to be ignored in our art, whatever the form." (Jim Harrison, quoted from back cover) A collection of poems by Charles Baxter (b. 1947), the acclaimed & award-winning American poet, novelist & academician who for many years directed the Creative Writing MFA program at the University of Michigan here in Ann Arbor. Trade-format softcover original, first edition, first printing as indicated by number sequence at copyright page. On recto of second leaf (shorter title page), Baxter has hand-written, signed & dated in bold black ink: "For Larry and Nancy,/ with much love and(underlined)/ friendship from your/ pal,/ (signed) Charlie/ April 6, 1990." "Larry and Nancy" are Laurence Goldstein (1943-2023), the renowned poet, film critic, editor & professor here at UM; & his wife Nancy, our good friend from whom we obtained this & many other gems from their collection. An essential Baxter collectible in its rarest contemporary form, greatly enhanced by his warm poet-to-poet inscription (which makes it obvious that he & the Goldsteins were close friends & colleagues here in Ann Arbor/ at UM) & date close to time of publication; with most-distinguished & relevant association & provenance. See also our other Baxter collectibles & contributions, incl. item No. 7879. In relatively quite very fine condition with only the slightest rubbing, faint scratching & occasional short, faint creases to front, back covers & spine; a touch of wear & a few tiny bumps, creases at edges & corners of same; a bit of rubbing to edges of text block. Interior very fine, appearing substantially mint. Very Fine. [Item #8253]

Price: $80.00