Ferlinghetti, Lawrence; Ragozzino, Luciano

Two Poems of Desire

Milan, Italy: Ragazzo Innocuo, 2008. Limited First Edition. Sewn Binding. Signed by Lawrence Ferlinghetti. “hovers over the body | like the libido that flies through | Beethoven concertos | And then of a sudden | that desire plunges down | into the body | At a cocktail party for instance | When some totally delirious | cynosure of sex | dances by.” (“Desire,” Lawrence Ferlinghetti) A chapbook of two poems, "Desire" & "At the Cafe des Poetes" by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, (1919-2021), the canonical Beat-&-Beyond American poet, artist, translator, publisher & bookseller. An exquisite, hand-crafted Italian production, with text of both poems in English & Italian translation by Enzo Eric Toccaceli on opposite pages. As noted in the Italian-language colophon, this is one of a limited edition of 99 copies published during March 2008, hand-numbered in colophon & signed by Ferlinghetti on title page (characteristically his last name only). This is copy No. 44/99. Between the two poems is a drawing by Ferlinghetti, reproduced beautifully- & backwards. This illustration is also hand-numbered 44/99. Chapbook in sewn binding; thick, rough-edged archival-quality paper leaves hand-sewn in board-wrappers. An extremely desirable late Ferlinghetti rarity. In perfect as-new condition inside & out. As new. [Item #8625]

Price: $125.00