Silent Bill

[Cliff Robertson] [Prison Imprint] Walker, John P.

Published by Island Lantern Press, United States Penitentiary, McNeil Island, WA, 1930

About this Item

Very interesting, and as far as we can tell, unrecorded prison imprint, a long poem from inmate John P. Walker at McNeil Island Penitentiary in Washington. Walker was convicted on theft of mail matter in June of 1923. The colophon states: "This Edition consists of one hundred fifty copies the format and designs were made by the prisoner-staff of the island lantern press with Caslon type." Included with the poem is a letter from Walker to Cliff Robertson, likely a producer at Columbia Studios in LA, asking for work shortly after his release and citing his prison expertise: "And why write you? I understand that you are filming a prison picture. Rest assured, there is little about prisons that I don't know; and I am positive that I can be useful in many ways in prison undertakings. --try to get me some kind of chance around your studio -- writing, coaching, suggesting gags, contriving dramatic situations. You'll never regret it. You'll find me pretty capable; and honorable to the highest degree, and damn willing to do." We find a few entries in OCLC under the Island Lantern Press imprint, roughly from this same time period and all quite scarce. The only mention of this title we find is likely a reprint of the poem from "The Island Lantern" March, 1930, a monthly publication of the penitentiary. . 26x20cm, [11]pp. Signed by Walker on the inside, front cover. Original stapled gray paper wraps with vertical crease down the middle, some toning and general wear. Robertson's name in pencil on front cover. Few marginal stains to first couple of pages else clean internally and very good. Laid in is a typed letter signed by Walker to a Cliff Robertson at Columbia Studios dated in 1930. The letter shows some paperclip rust along top edge, chipping and wear to edges First edition, limited to 150 copies, this being 75.

Seller Inventory # 5807

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Silent Bill
• Publisher: Island Lantern Press, United States Penitentiary, McNeil Island, WA
• Publication Date: 1930
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Manuscript
  • Poetry
  • Music and Performing Arts
  • Washington