This Kind of Bird Flies Backward (First Edition, First Printing)
Language: English
Published by Totem, 1958
- First Edition
- Softcover
- Used
Seller: Cy Fern Books, Santa Fe, NM, U.S.A.Cy Fern Books
AbeBooks seller since June 30, 2025
Condition: Used - Very good
£ 151.54
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
A Rare Beat Generation Masterpiece: The True 1958 First Edition of Diane di Prima's Debut Book For sale is an incredibly scarce, collector-grade copy of "This Kind of Bird Flies Backward" by legendary Beat poet Diane di Prima. Published in New York by Totem Press in 1958, this chapbook represents the true first printing of the author's very first published book. Totem Press was a pivotal underground publisher run by di Prima's close friend and contemporary, LeRoi Jones (later Amiri Baraka).This historic volume features a notable "Non-Introduction" by City Lights publisher Lawrence Ferlinghetti, striking visual cover art layouts designed by Fred Herko and Mike Wiener, and interior line drawings by Bret Rohmer. While later 1963 Paper Book Gallery reprints occasionally surface on the market, the original 1958 Totem Press printing with its iconic 95¢ cover price remains exceptionally rare and highly sought after by institutions and serious collectors of avant-garde and feminist Beat literature. Condition: Very Good. First edition staple-bound wrappers. Light, age-appropriate uniform toning to the cream-colored covers. Spine edges and staples are firm, tight, and completely intact. Interior pages are remarkably clean, bright, and free of any writing, highlighting, or dog-ears. A beautifully preserved, crisp copy of a fragile and scarce mid-century poetry chapbook. RC.…
Seller Inventory # 198583319161
Bibliographic details
- Title
- This Kind of Bird Flies Backward (First Edition, First Printing)
- Author
- Diane di Prima
- Publisher
- Totem
- Publication year
- 1958
- Condition
- Very good
- Binding
- Soft cover
- Language
- English
- Illustrator
- Bret Rohmer, Fred Herko & Mike Wiener
- Edition
- 1st Edition
- Printing
- 1st Printing
- Item weight
- 1 pound
- Seller catalogs
- Chapbook, Literature, Poetry, Small Press
Cy Fern Books
Santa Fe, NM, U.S.A.
AbeBooks seller since June 30, 2025
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 14 business days | 3 to 6 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 4.62 | £ 13.58 |
Payment methods
- Cash
- Check
- Money Order
Store description
Founded by Alan Weller, author and editor of books of rare and unique visual content, from the 17th-20th century. We sell selected works from our extensive collection of rare old books, Art Deco and like portfolios, unbound book engravings, etchings and chromolithographs. In addition, we sell from our collection of contemporary Fine Art books, and some contemporary, original art.
Specialty
17th-20th c. volumes; excised engraved, etched and lithographic illustrations, limited edition screened portfolios; contemporary Fine Art booksSeller's business information
Cy Fern Books
NM, U.S.A.
Terms of sale
We specialize in illustrated works from 17th–21st C.,
Anthropological works, Fine Art, Mystical & Occult, and Poetry
Cy Fern Books
1000 Cordova Place #951
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Contact:
Alan Weller
617/875-6289
cyfernbooks@gmail.com
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If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
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You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Cy Fern Books, Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A., +1 (617) 875-6289, without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
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