Witt [Inscribed to Tom Verlaine]

Smith, Patti; [Tom Verlaine]

Published by Gotham Book Mart, New York, 1973

First edition, letter "T" of the lettered issue. Signed by Patti Smith on the limitation page and additionally inscribed to Television front-man, former lover and life-long friend, "for Tom Verlaine / 'son of a neck'" (quoting Rilke's "Fifth Elegy"). Provenance: from the collection of the late rock musician, Tom Verlaine. Smith and Verlaine were both significant figures in the New York punk and art scene of the 1970s, and known for their close personal and professional relationship. 45 pp. Bound in publisher's black cloth, photographic portrait paste-on of the author by Robert Mapplethorpe to upper cover. Fine. Accompanied by a note provided by Smith explaining its sister copy, "Letter V", which was also gifted to Tom Verlaine along with this copy, "Letter T", now resides with her: "This is letter T of Witt, actually pronounced white. But with wit intentions. I gave it to Tom when we lived on East 11th Street. Later I give him a V, which is now thoughtfully in my hands. So you who now hold T and I the V are Tom connected. Patti Smith NYC." On the verso is a charming pencil sketch of Tom Verlaine, captioned "A nose like a diamond / TV / It's a fact, a nose like a diamond, Tom." With an additional note on Smith's personalized Cartier stationary and envelope marked by her with the letter "T", "A note with a small drawing of Tom to accompany T of Witt with all good wishes Patti Smith". A beautiful association copy published the year the two musicians met, seen as an eternal link between Verlaine and Smith by Smith herself. Seller Inventory # 140948025

Bibliographic Details

Title: Witt [Inscribed to Tom Verlaine]
Publisher: Gotham Book Mart, New York
Publication Date: 1973
Condition: Fine
Edition: First Edition, Lettered Issue.