Gibbs, Michael

Progressive Poem

Devon, England: Beau Geste Press, 1972. Limited First Edition. Single Sheet[s] in Envelope. Signed & Numbered by Michael Gibbs. A work of conceptual art by the poet, editor, & publisher Michael Gibbs (1949-2009). Gibbs joined the Mimeograph Revolution as a student, publishing the magazine Kontexts, which featured work by William S. Burroughs (1914-1997) & Brion Gysin (1916-1986), among numerous other luminaries of Mid-Century American literature and art. This work, titled Progressive Poem, features two letterpress cards on which the words “PROBLEM” and “SOLUTION” are printed. A unique Beau Geste Press collectible in its singularly rarest contemporary form. From the collection of Richard Cupidi (b. 1945), our esteemed mate in the UK who was the manager of the fabled Unicorn Bookshop in Brighton, England founded by Bill Butler (1934-1977, the famed American-expatriate poet, bookseller & publisher). From the late 1960s through the early 1970s, Unicorn proffered & published many outstanding productions by William S. Burroughs, J.G. Ballard, et al., some of which have become the scarcest, all-but-unobtainable Beat-&-Beyond collectibles (see for example our item No.s 8217, 8366). After prevailing against censorious harassment efforts, Unicorn closed & Butler died in short order. Cupidi went on to found the Public House bookshop in Brighton, which had a long & successful run but which is also now closed, & he still resides there. We have been privileged to obtain what Cupidi has termed "The Last Hurrah," all the remaining gems of Unicorn & Public House, including this. Third Mind Books proceeds to reverently curate & incrementally present the Butler-Cupidi-Unicorn-Public House Legacy which is in our custodial hands- until it passes to yours. Single Sheet[s] in Envelope: Limited First Edition; Copies No. 12/50, as indicated by penciled limitation along bottommost fine-edge (at bottom right-hand corner) of recto side. These copies are additionally signed to the left of the limitation. Gibbs’ signature, also written in pencil, reads: “Michael Gibbs.” In Very Fine condition, virtually as new with only slightest shelf-wear to fine-edges & corners of verso & recto sides; otherwise, pristine. Envelope in strong Near Fine-Fine condition with only correspondent light-to-moderate shelf-wear to fine-edges & corners of recto & verso sides; some crinkling, creasing & bumping to various locales, throughout; otherwise, generally clean. Very Fine. [Item #9533]

Price: $90.00 save 10% $81.00