Nichol, B.P.

Ballads of the Restless Are

Sacramento, CA: Runcible Spoon, 1968. First Edition Thus. Stapled Wrappers. “I first published this piece as part of the ‘Black Ribbon’ series in 1962 along with books like Dave Aylward’s ‘A History of Nothing’ (which I understand Ganglia Press is reissuing) and my own ‘Annotated Chance.’ Since this piece was written so much has happened that parts of it may seem archaic (part of the charm perhaps) but its importance and relevance remains, particularly in the list of current research into language sources. Read it and speak it and get back to your own” (Philip Workman [dates unknown], from Introductory Note). A classic, early volume of concrete poems by the great Canadian concrete poet, "bpNichol" (1944-1988). Barrie Philip Nichol was born in Vancouver, and his early writing is analogous to many of the early painting of artists who would later become Cubists — as Nichol initially practiced in very conventional formats of poetry and fiction. After he reached a certain level of proficiency in these fields, he turned to Concrete Poetry: the genre he and his friends would soon revolutionize. Workman’s Black Ribbon Press published early work by Nichol and other Concrete Poets. Along with Dom Sylvester Houedard (1924-1992), Nichol is considered one of the major Concrete poets. This work, while rather standard in format for the form in which proceeds, is one of the reasons why. Oblong-format pamphlet in stapled wrappers: First Edition Thus, 1/500 unnumbered copies published by D.R. Wagner’s (1943-2023) Runcible Spoon in 1968. In Near Fine condition with only mild-to-moderate shelf-wear, some light bumping, rubbing, & select exhibits of generally mild bump-creasing to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers & spine-edge; mild-to-enunciated age-toning (spotting, foxing, browning), & the occasional use & age-based artifact similar in scope & expression to these present variously throughout; otherwise, clean. Near Fine. [Item #8295]

Price: $25.00