Leavitt, William S. (Hartweg, Norman; Goldstein, Laurence)

A Spindrift Gaze: Conversations with a Merry Prankster

Chicago, IL: William S. Leavitt, 1973. First Printing. Strip Binding. Signed by William S. Leavitt to Laurence Goldstein. An interview conducted by one William S. Leavitt of former “Merry Prankster,” Norman Hartwig. While not traditionally associated with the “starting lineup” (if you will) of Merry Pranksters — who had names like “Stark Naked,” “Mal Function,” and “The Intrepid Traveler” in addition to their real names — Hartwig grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Eventually, Hartwig moved to Texas and got married. Somewhere along the way, Hartwig and his wife decide the best thing to do is to move to Los Angeles and pursue their dream of becoming actors. While in California, he meets Ken Kesey (1935-2001), and informally joins the Merry Pranksters. Not too long after arriving, Hartwig was involved in a car accident that brought his time with the LSD-fueled troupe to a close. After recovering, Hartwig returned to Ann Arbor, obtained a PhD in Philosophy, and dedicated his life to teaching. In this volume, then, readers will find a series of interviews which discuss Hartwig’s time with the Pranksters, as well as a final section, titled “Analysis,” in which Leavitt offers his take on the interviews and scene. A valuable, prescient recollection of the Pranksters and their leader — and from an unguarded witness to their activities and lifestyle, no less. From the collection of Laurence Goldstein (1943-2023), a renowned American author, poet, film critic, editor & academician here at the University of Michigan. Large-format chapbook in strip binding: the First-&-likely-only Printing of this rare interview with a Merry Prankster. In addition to the various notations (written in Goldstein’s hand) which dot the volume and, in this case, enhance its value as a collectible, we find the signature of the interview’s author, William S. Leavitt, as well as an accompanying inscription addressed to Goldstein on the work’s title page along topmost fine-edge. Leavitt’s inscription and accompanying signature, in thick, blue felt pen ink, reads: “To Prof. Goldstein — / Thanks for the help / + the encouragement, / Bill Leavitt.” In Good-Very Good condition with only moderate shelf-wear, rubbing, & some light bumping to fine-edges & corners of front, back covers & spine-edge at varying locales; moderate-to-enunciated exhibits of age-toning (yellow, spotting, & artifacts similar) variously present at same; otherwise, generally clean. Good-Very Good. [Item #8687]

Price: $100.00