Burkard, Michael; Glover, Albert

Ruby for Grief

ISBN: 9780822934509
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1981. First Softcover Edition. Softcover. Inscribed, signed & dated by Michael Burkard to Albert Glover. "I tend to sit here very alone. Last night I asked a stranger if he | wanted a rubber slapped across his face. This morning brought more." (first stanza, Ruby for Grief, pg. 65). Ruby for Grief is a significant poetry collection by poet Michael Burkard (1947-2024), known for its rich interior quality and unique poetics. Part of the Pitt Poetry Series, the book captures the mind's process of revising and revealing itself, altering its perceptions. Burkard was influenced by Black Mountain poets Robert Creeley (1926-2005) and Denise Levertov (1926-1997) and his narrative autobiographical poems are perfect examples of the Black Mountain style with his pedagogical approach to poetry emphasizing the importance of personal experience and direct observation. Apart from their strong interconnections with the Beat Generation founders William S. Burroughs (1914-1997) and Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997), the Black Mountain poets, led by modernist American poet Charles Olson (1910-1970), influenced the course of American poetry and were also important for the development of the innovative British Poetry Revival of the 1960s. See Item No. 8046 for more from the Pitt Poetry Series. From the collection of Albert Glover (b. 1942), the great American scholar, bibliographer, author & publisher who is the foremost living authority on the aforementioned literary giant & "Maximus Obscurantist" Charles Olson, with whom we're honored to be acquainted. At dedication page, Burkard has inscribed to Glover, signed & dated in sapphire blue ink: "for Al, | across the river and | into the forest, | (signed) Michael | April 30, 1982." Softcover: presumed first softcover edition and first printing as neither explicated as such at copyright page. A most collectible book of Burkard poetry, greatly enriched by Burkard's inscription, signature and date, with relevant association & very distinguished provenance. In relatively very fine condition with only very minor rubbing to front, back covers & spine; mild rubbing to text block. Interior very fine with only a previous seller's price stamp at upper right hand corner of title page "$4.50," otherwise essentially mint. Very Fine. [Item #8439]

Price: $50.00