Coolidge, Clark

On the Nameways (Volume Two)

ISBN: 1930589077
Great Barrinton, MA: The Figures, 2001. First Printing. Softcover. The second installment of a two-volume series of verse by Clark Coolidge (b. 1939): a poet, theorist, and forerunning participant in the Mimeograph Revolution (having attended the Vancouver Poetry Conference in 1963). Coolidge, to this author, is known primarily for his categorical and ultimately heroic understanding of the philosophy of composition and literary method practiced by Jack Kerouac (1922-1969). Alternately referred to as “Spontaneous Bop Prosody,” “Modern Prose,” and “Spontaneous Prose” by Kerouac, Coolidge’s work on Jack’s prose line endures. This grand project, which combined Beat literature, itself, with its theory on method — as one might do for a Constructivist work of art, for example, resulted in definite and obvious growth. His muscularized prose line kept on-a-rolling, like the oak-paneled luxury trains of Quebec, far past the point of expected expiry. Such is the unerring utility of Kerouac’s method to those who learn to ride it, like a bull. The toolbox of aptitudes that results from such a study, in other words, is readily on view in the pages of the second installment of On the Nameways; a volume whose verses ring like windswept chimes in the open ears of the eager and curious. 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 Charles Olson (1910-1970), the canonical American poet among the most gigantic 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). Trade-format softcover original: First Edition, though not explicated as such on copyright page; First Printing, with no reference to other editions or printings, thereon. In strong near fine condition with only minor-to-moderate shelf-wear to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers & spine-edge; otherwise, clean. Near Fine. [Item #8609]

Price: $50.00