The Sonnets

Ted Berrigan

Published by Lorenz and Ellen Gude, New York, 1964

About this Item

4to. Stab-stapled. [140pp. printed on rectos only]. Cover by Joe Brainard. Berrigan's second book, edited by Ron Padgett, following 'A Lily for My Love' (1959), most copies of which Berrigan destroyed. 'The Sonnets' was published in an edition of 300 numbered copies 'plus an unspecified number of unnumbered copies' (according to Aaron Fischer). Berrigan and Padgett have both suggested a total of 400 copies ('approximately 400 copies' in Berrigan's words) but, as is the case with this copy, it seems that most copies were unnumbered. This copy lacks the stiff blank back cover (which is almost always missing, probably as issued) but it has the blank final sheet (which, similarly, is often absent). About Good only, if that, somewhat worn and restapled (including, midway through, a card with a bookdealer's note about the book bound in, evidently from when the book was recent). Mild horizontal creasing, a few sheets with a drinks stain (not affecting legibility), conceivably but not necessarily from when the book was being produced. The blank final sheet is heavily worn but is secure and, as above, not always present. A serviceable copy nonetheless, and with the main image of Brainard's cover art still attractive. Seller Inventory # 003720

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Sonnets

Publisher: Lorenz and Ellen Gude, New York

Publication Date: 1964

Binding: Soft cover

Condition: Good

Edition: First Edition.