Various (di Prima, Diane (Editor); Jones, LeRoi (Editor); Ginsberg, Allen; O'Hara, Frank; Olson, Charles; Orlovsky, Peter et al.)

The Floating Bear: A Newsletter No. 21 (1962)

New York, NY, USA: Diane di Prima & LeRoi Jones, 1962. First Printing. Stapled Sheets. This vintage earlier number of the legendary literary journal then-published & edited by Diane di Prima (1934-2020, the most primary figure among the sparse female members of the original Beat Generation) & LeRoi Jones (1934-2014, later Amiri Baraka) features the essay-fragment "A Work" by Charles Olson (1910-1970), the Great American Black Mountain-&-Beyond Poet's Poet who is our favorite Maximus Obscurantist. Exemplary in its density, myriad classical references & prose-poetic exultancy, here is a tour-de-force of Olsonian brilliance. Also in this issue are two prime poems by Frank O'Hara (1926-1966, "Mary Desti's Ass" & "St. Paul and All That"), the Canonical New York School Master; a most-interesting sort-of-open-letter by Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997, Founding Father of the Beat Generation) & his partner poet Peter Orlovsky (1933-2010) entitled/addressed to "Our Dear Friend Charles" (presumably Olson); & more. With fascinating contemporary "Notices" at verso of final page. Six sheets stapled once at upper left corner, first-&-only printing. From the collection of Albert Glover (1942-2026), the esteemed American poet, bibliographer, editor, publisher & academician who was the foremost remaining authority on Olson- he was a student of & anointed by Maximus himself at SUNY Buffalo during the 1960s, & was ever since the premiere bearer of the Olsonian Torch until his very recent passing, which has left us bereaved- we were most-honored to be acquainted with this Great Man of Letters. A particularly scarce issue in this ultimately-collectible series; with the highest, most relevant association & provenance. In exceptionally very fine condition with only slight age-toning to all surfaces; a touch of wear & a few tiny bumps, creases at/from edges & corners of sheets; several tiny (rust?) spots below hardly-rusted staple at recto first sheet/front cover & verso final sheet/rear cover; one mild horizontal crease across middle of sheets where once-folded. Very Fine. [Item #8963]

Price: $125.00