[Original Art]: Portrait of R.P. McMurphy, Signed and Embellished by Ken Kesey [with] a Proof Copy of the Published Version, Noting Kesey's Additions

Published by [no place], 1980

  • First Edition
  • Signed
  • Used
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Item image 1 of 6.
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Seller: Between the Covers-Rare Books, Inc. ABAA, Gloucester City, NJ, U.S.A.Between the Covers-Rare Books, Inc. ABAA

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AbeBooks seller since July 25, 1997

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Condition: Used - Fine

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Item description from seller

Ink portrait of Jack Nicholson as R.P. McMurphy. Embellished and Signed by Kesey, along with a proof copy noting Kesey's additions. The portrait measures approximately 8½" x 10½". About ¼" of blank paper trimmed off the top where it was taped into a mat, otherwise fine. Signed "J. Cary 80" in the bottom right, and also Signed there by Kesey. An amusing caricature of McMurphy in a hospital gown flying on cardboard wings over a nest of cuckoos (several bespectacled) in a fenced lot. The portrait was used on a poster advertising an event featuring Kesey and (according to the proof) issued as a signed print in an edition of 150 copies, according a printed note on the included 11" x 15" proof copy of the limited poster. The proof contains a couple of penciled notes, presumably by the artist, J. Cary. In the lower right, he notes "Kesey Signed Here," and near McMurphy's face he notes "I've put in (w/ pencil) what Kesey did in ink on original." Indeed, the proof doesn't have the pockmarks, hairy moles, or missing tooth that the original does; perhaps Kesey thought McMurphy looked a little too presentable in the proof. The broadside was to be printed as advertisement (or merch) for an event called "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and other insanities featuring Ken Kesey," held April 14-18 (presumably 1980). We have yet to locate the event, or a copy of the signed broadside for that matter; all that to say, we cannot say for sure that the event took place and (more importantly) the limited issue broadside was published as planned. Either way, a charming portrait, embellished and signed by the chief Prankster himself.

Seller Inventory # 530655

Bibliographic details

Title
[Original Art]: Portrait of R.P. McMurphy, Signed and Embellished by Ken Kesey [with] a Proof Copy of the Published Version, Noting Kesey's Additions
Author
(KESEY, Ken). J. Cary. [Jack Nicholson as R.P. McMurphy]
Publisher
[no place]
Publication year
1980
Condition
Fine
Signed
Signed
Binding
Unbound
Edition
First Edition.

Between the Covers-Rare Books, Inc. ABAA

Gloucester City, NJ, U.S.A.

5-star seller

AbeBooks seller since July 25, 1997

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Between the Covers is located in a converted 1915 brick school building. You can find us at bookfairs, or subscribe to our catalog mailing list. Samples available upon request. We also provide an elist, please subscribe on our website www.betweenthecovers.com.

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Between the Covers-Rare Books, Inc. ABAA

112 Nicholson Road
Gloucester City, NJ U.S.A. 08030