THE SELECTED POEMS OF KENNETH PATCHEN (First edition - dustwrapper states second edition)

Kenneth Patchen

Published by New Directions, New York, 1946

About this Item

A second printing of the true first edition (the book was originally published in the USA by New Directions in 1946 - the dustwrapper of this copy states second edition). Published as No. 12 in the new classics series. ***Near fine in beige cloth-covered boards with red titles to the spine. The boards are beautifully clean and unmarked having been protected by the dustwrapper. No bumps. Corners sharp. No reading creases to the spine and no reading lean. Spine tight. Internally near fine with no inscriptions, but with an attractive illustrated bookplate on the front pastedown covered by the flap of the dustwrapper. The bookplate is from Sally Lou Jones. Apart from some small light stains to the front and rear free endpapers, the interior pages are clean. No creases or tears. ***In a very good colour illustrated dustwrapper, that has not been price-clipped, retaining the original publisher's printed price of $1.50. The dustwrapper is very fragile but this example is virtually complete, with just very small loss at the top of the spine, and some nicks and creases to the top edges. No significant chips or tears. No fading. ***86 pages. 184mm x 125mm. ***'Kenneth Patchen (December 13, 1911 - January 8, 1972) was an American poet and novelist. He experimented with different forms of writing and incorporated painting, drawing, and jazz music into his works, which have been compared with those of William Blake and Walt Whitman. Patchen's biographer wrote that he "developed in his fabulous fables, love poems, and picture poems a deep yet modern mythology that conveys a sense of compassionate wonder amidst the world's violence." Along with his friend and peer Kenneth Rexroth, he was a central influence on the San Francisco Renaissance and the Beat Generation.' (Wiki) ***A very good copy of this important American poet's "Selected Poems". Uncommon and very difficult to find in the UK. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc. Seller Inventory # 8674

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE SELECTED POEMS OF KENNETH PATCHEN (First...

Publisher: New Directions, New York

Publication Date: 1946

Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Dustwrapper design by Lustig

Condition: Near Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good

Edition: First Edition