Bruce, Lennart

Making the Rounds

San Francisco, CA: Kayak, 1967. Limited First Edition. Stapled Wrappers. "A door is thrown wide | and the light | sweeps the corridor of the asylum | and there | the head nurse and the madman | whirl cheek to cheek | in the swirl of a waltz | and he thinks he is the Prince | of Lichtenstein | someone is counting | in a distant room | monday tuesday | wednesday thursday" (Making the Rounds, pg. 8). Lennart Bruce (1919-2002) was a San Francisco Renaissance-era poet and translator with a varied past: most successful fruit dealer in Sweden, European financier, bringer of public transportation (and his own ice cream shop!) to West Africa, giving it all up in 1963 to move to San Francisco and follow his passion of becoming a poet. “Making the Rounds” is Bruce's first book of poetry, eventually joined by 15 other books of poetry, including his most well known Speak To Me, an anthology of Swedish-language women poets, which was a collaboration with his wife. Making the Rounds is an engaging narrative and insightful exploration of personal and societal challenges. Bruce's ability to weave a compelling story will resonate with poetry lovers, particularly those interested in the complexities of love and medicine. It is inspiring, heartfelt, and thought-provoking, offering a glimpse into the lives of individuals navigating the challenges of their time. With artful & surreal color prints throughout. A truly gorgeous presentation. Please see Item No. 7780 for a collectible piece of Lennart Bruce ephemera as well. From the collection of Albert Glover (b. 1942), the great American scholar, bibliographer, author & publisher who is the foremost living authority on literary giant Charles Olson (1910-1970), with whom we're honored to be acquainted. Chapbook in Stapled Wrappers: Limited first edition, first printing per final page colophon "400 copies of this book designed and printed by George Hitchcock at the Kayak Press." A most collectible Bruce/SSFR book of poetry, in its rarest contemporary form & with very distinguished provenance. In relatively fine-to-very fine condition with mild rubbing, scratching and age-toning to front, back covers & stapled spine; minor bumping of corners to same; light smudging/spot-staining mostly to spine; staples beginning to rust; mild age-toning to text block. Interior fine-to-very fine with mild age-toning and some bumping of corners to page leaves. Fine-Very Fine. [Item #8371]

Price: $30.00