Mahapatra, Jayanta.

RELATIONSHIP; [Two volumes -- SIGNED association copy of first edition & INSCRIBED copy of first Indian edition with ALS].

(Greenfield Center / Cuttack, India): (Greenfield Review Press) / Chandrabhaga Society, (1980 & 1982). First edition of each. Prints the 12-part epic poem considered to be his best. Winner of India’s prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award -- the first English-language book of poetry to receive the award. TWO VOLUMES: the true first edition published in 1980 in the U.S.; and the first Indian edition published 2 years later (both are English-language). First edition (U.S.) is an ASSOCIATION COPY, SIGNED by Mahapatra on title page and with ownership signature of the Indian American poet, scholar, and writer MEENA ALEXANDER (1951-2018) on endpaper and her effusive handwritten comments, markings and underlinings throughout. First Indian edition INSCRIBED on title page, “for John Unterecker, with admiration/ and warm good wishes -/this little poem from India/ Jayanta Mahapatra/ May 13, 1982.” TOGETHER WITH AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED to Unterecker, at the University of Hawaii, soliciting a review of the book. Dated May 15, 1982, on letterhead of the Indian literary magazine, Chandrabhaga, edited by Mahapatra. Signed simply “Jayanta,” the one-page heartfelt letter reads in part, “You must forgive me for thrusting my book upon you. ... but I value your words and advice, much. Perhaps that’s a sign of we Indians, forgive me.” ALSO INCLUDES a “Biographical Data” sheet listing Mahapatra’s books, the journals from around the world in which his poems have appeared, awards received, anthology appearances, etc. First edition (U.S.) in 8vo slightly glossy, off-white paperwraps printed in khaki green; illustrated with frontis photo of Konark Sun Temple in Odisha (formerly Orissa), India, and detail of a wheel from similar photo on front cover; black-and-white photo of author at rear; 35 pages. About very good with covers a little darkened and soiled, few small fore edge tears, and several inconspicuous indentations with tiny holes to front cover. First Indian edition is in 8vo heavy tan paperwraps printed in brown with cover design by “Nishi”; 42 pages. Near fine with mild crimp to upper corners. Both letter and Biographical Data sheet are creased where previously folded but otherwise fine. Both editions exceedingly scarce, especially so signed or inscribed.
Item #72135

Price: $750.00