THE POET IS DEAD; [signed, limited edition together with the true first appearance of the poem as well as a special printing done upon Everson's own death].

San Francisco: Auerhahn Press, 1964. First edition. Poem written as a memorial tribute to Robinson Jeffers. One of 200 copies SIGNED BY ANTONINUS, of a total run of 205 [Bartlett & Campo A20]. Printed in two colors on Tovil hand-made paper and bound by Jane Grabhorn and Sally Hoyem in cream paper backed in crushed purple morocco with gilt-lettered paper label on spine. Near fine with spine slightly toned; in a good-only example of the plain white dust jacket with chips, tears, and general wear, as well as darkening to spine and edges, as usually seen. TOGETHER WITH 2 copies of COMMISSIONED POEMS 1962: Poetry Festival (The Poetry Center San Francisco State College, 1962) which prints 8 poems commissioned for the June 21-24, 1962, festival. Each is 8.5 x 11"; 16 pp; stapled into white covers printed in orange and black on front only. The first copy has cut-out window on front revealing the title printed on the next page (2nd does not). Includes Everson's "The Poet is Dead" as well as poems by Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Jack Gilbert, Thom Gunn, Josephine Miles, Harold Witt, Muriel Rukeyser, and W. D. Snodgrass. First copy is worn and stained, especially on blank white rear cover, with ownership name at head of first page and date “1962.” The second, which would appear to have been printed later, is slightly larger, bright and fine, and has letter from Beverly Dahlen, the secretary of The Poetry Center, to Marlan Beilke dated July 2, 1970, laid in. ALSO INCLUDED is San Francisco printer Julie Holcomb’s scarce edition of the poem issued "in memory and celebration" in 1994 after Everson’s own death. Approximately 5 x 10"; two folded leaves printed in black with title on first page in light blue; laid in stiff, gray paper cover deckled on front fore edge and printed in dark gray. Fine.
Item #55682

Price: $275.00