501. Winter count. Poems 1934-1965. Minneapolis: James D. Thueson, 1966.
$45
First edition limited to 250 signed copies (this, no. 164), pp. 78, [2]; illustrated frontispiece; brown cloth boards backed in black; a fine copy.
Mulder and Timmerman A13a.
502. Song-tide and other poems. Boston: Roberts Brothers, 1871.
$60
First American edition of the author's first book, 12mo, pp. xi, [1], 210, [2]; original rust cloth, spine and upper cover gilt, t.e.g.; spine ends starting to fray, cloth a bit rubbed, corners lightly bumped, previous owner's signatures on front free endpaper; overall very good.
503. Poems of a doggy. Baltimore: Pod Books, 1977.
$45
Edition limited to 500 copies, 25 of which have been signed and numbered (not this); 8vo, pp. [6], 49, [3]; fine in original pictorial wrappers. Cover illustration by Tad Wanveer.
This copy inscribed "to Allen [sic], greetings from Charm City, Chris 2-2-78." "Allen" is Allan Kornblum, actualist poet and founder of both the Toothpaste Press, and the Coffee House Press.
504. Provisions. Lost prose by... Edited and introduced by Sebastian Matthews and with original artwork by Cris Cristofaro . Winona, Minn.: Sutton Hoo Press, 2003.
$250
Edition limited to "approximately" 200 copies; 8vo, pp. [8], 7-79, [11]; 14 abstract illustrations by Cristofaro; original black cloth with pictorial onlay, printed paper label on spine; fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
A letter from the printer to his subscribers regarding Sutton Hoo's next book, Naming by Philip Levine, is laid in.
505. Breathing space. Berkeley: Blue Wind Press, 1975.
$50
First edition, 8vo, pp. [7], 12-61, [3]; original pictorial wrappers; spine a bit sunned, a few short scratches on the cover; very good.
This copy inscribed: "This copy for Allan & Cinda who are part of it. With my love, George xii: 76."
506. Moving. [New York: Angel Hair, 1971].
$125
First edition limited to 700 copies and 26 copies lettered and signed; 4to, 10" x 8", pp. [40]; illustrated endsheets by Rosemary Mayer; pictorial wrappers by Ed Bowes; fine. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
507. Beachcombing. Omaha: Yellow Barn Press, 1981.
$175
Edition limited to 150 copies (this, no. 144), 8vo, pp. 32; original cream linen, printed paper label on spine; fine copy. From the library of Kim Merker.
This is only the second Yellow Barn Press book, and the first printed on their own Washington hand press.
Walsdorf, A2.
508. April arboretum. [Minneapolis]: Coffee House Press, 1987.
$90
Large letterpress broadside 26" x 18", limited to 100 numbered and signed copes. Printed in 3 colors on green Fabriano Roma paper. Dedicated to Kenneth Rexroth.
509. Fragments of Perseus. [New York: Jordan Davies, 1978].
$45
First edition limited to 200 numbered copies signed by McClure (this, no. 103); 8vo, pp. [20]; printed by Robert Gordon at the Oliphant Press; frontispiece illustration by Jordan Davies; fine copy in original printed yellow wrappers. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
510. Jaguar skies. [New York]: New Directions, [1975].
$150
First edition, 8vo, pp. [8], 87, [1]; fine copy in a fine dust jacket. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
This copy inscribed by McClure to Allan Kornblum: "Here in zero degrees F. St. Paul with warmth for Allan, Michael." McClure has also paraphrased a line from one of his poems: "The whirlpool is no doctrine when we're instruments that play ourselves." And, at the top of the title page McClure has drawn the face of a woman in profile.
511. September blackberries. [New York]: New Directions, [1974].
$150
First edition, 8vo, pp. [8], 151, [1]; fine copy in a dust jacket adulterated by McClure (see below). From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
This copy mysteriously inscribed by McClure to Allan Kornblum: "For Allan Kornblum Z / Ø W C / H. Michael." McClure has also inked up his photograph on the rear panel of the dust jacket, with a bold ink "X" across his face, and a flurry of 25 letters surrounding his visage as if stars, the lone letter left out is "M," which he has added twice under the photograph.
512. Sweet geometry and other poems. Drawings by Kim Van Someren. [La Crosse, Wisconsin]: Sutton Hoo Press, [2005].
$100
Edition limited to "fewer than" 115 copies on Somerset, 21 copies on Nideggen, and 38 on India bond; signed by McClure and Van Someren on the colophon; 12mo, pp. [14], 5-47, [3]; 8 illustrations from drawings (mostly full-page); original black cloth-backed decorative paper-covered boards; fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
McClure, a noted lesbian, gave readings of her poetry throughout the Midwest, published four books of poetry as well as countless poems in scholarly literary journals, and mentored hundreds of students.
513. Night breezes and the next tomorrow. [Madison: Peridot Press, 1984].
$250
First edition limited to 75 copies; 8vo, accordion-fold, extending 38"; pp. [12]; original printed blue wrappers and pictorial dust jacket by Julio Granda; spine lightly sunned, else a fine copy. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
"The book was printed on a single length of Japanese paper. I did not want to have to cut the Japanese paper to print it, but the Vandercook SP15 Proof Press's bed would not accommodate a single lengthwise sheet. To solve this dilemma I prefolded the paper into the French door accordion structure before printing on it. This proved to be a bit tricky in terms of registration and required several extra press runs to pull it off, but I was able to accomplish my goal. Also, I printed the illustrations in 4 subtly different shades of blue (as per the artist's instructions) in addition to the other ink colors. The original instructions I gave to the artist were that I wanted her illustration to work off my French door binding structure concept so that people could turn the pages in any order and still get a complete visual experience. Also, I wanted the book to work visually fully extended" (artist's statement per Vamp & Tramp Booksellers, 2017).
"[H]andset in Optima and printed on Japanese Kozo. The paper wrapper was made by the printer with assistance from Penny McElroy in adhering the glassy embellishments. Katherine Kuehn's shattered crystals and hearts shower down and around this small accordion book" (colophon). Letterpress printed dry. Illustrations printed from zinc plates in five colors. The sheet is sewn into the cover with silver thread.
514. Flora ... Drawings by Jack Beal. Being a recollection of four friends' excursion from Umbria through various French and Italian places with digressive reflections upon matters of gourmandise, botany, beloved works of art & amourous play.... Mt. Horeb, [Wisconsin]: Perishable Press, 1990.
$850
Edition limited to 125 copies (this, no. 111) signed by the author and illustrator; oblong folio, [6] blank leaves on variously colored paper, 24 leaves, [6] blank leaves on variously colored paper; binding by Kent Kasuboske, consisting of translucent vellum spine attached to flexible three-ply plywood boards, with exposed sewing structure; publisher's green cloth clamshell box stamped in blind; fine. From the Library of Kim Merker.
Printed by Walter Hamady. "Twenty-one original poems handset in Sabon Antiqua and twenty-three evocative line-drawings printed on/into handmade papers in several greens, browns, greys and maroon, black and blind in fifty-two pressruns."
515. Climb. Rosendale, N.Y.: Women's Studio Workshop, 1997.
$125
Edition limited to 100 signed and numbered copies (this, copy no. 2); single sheet approx. 33" x 6½ folded to 12" x 6½", with the poem "Climb" printed and illustrated in the form of a ladder covered with brambles; sheet printed on one side and folded horizontally in a portfolio 12" x 6½", the two flaps of the portfolio folding into the others, and held together by a metal bar. "Screenprinted with water-based inks on Strathmore 500 Bristol 2-ply vellum" (colophon). Prospectus laid in.
Text and imagery explore the conflict, challenge, and comfort embodied in this ancient and modern symbol.
516. Letter to an imaginary friend. Parts three & four. Port Townsend: Copper Canyon Press, 1985.
$100
First edition, wrapper issue, square 8vo, pp. [8], 115, [3]; fine in original printed wrappers.
This copy inscribed by McGrath "For John, one of the most exciting poets I've read or known. All good! Tom / Autumn '85."
517. Headlong. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1987.
$50
First edition, 8vo, pp. [10], 66, [4]; near fine copy in original pictorial wrappers. From the library of Kim Merker.
This copy signed by McKean on the title page, and with an additional inscription on the half title to Kim Merker: "Kim - For a good friend - thanks for all your help. Jim 2/20/87, Iowa City, Iowa 52240?"
518. When yesterday was young. Poems. New York: Robert Grier Cooke, 1906.
$150
First edition, 8vo, pp. [14], 147, [1]; original green cloth stamped in gilt on upper cover and spine; dust jacket lightly chipped along edges; fine copy in a very good jacket.
This copy inscribed by the poet, "To dear Anelle - Old friend and new friend, with my love M. McN. S., Shawsburn Village, Mass. April 1927."
519. [Meadow Press.] Sensing. Poems. San Francisco: Meadow Press, 1980.
$50
Edition limited to 200 copies (this, no. 24) and one of 100 casebound on Ingres Antique Laid paper, signed by the printer, Leigh McLellan and Sandra McPherson; oblong 8vo, pp. [26]; paper decoration, binding and woodcut printed in green on title page by McLellan; fine copy in original blue cloth-backed marbled boards, paper label on upper cover. From the library of Kim Merker.
Advertisement for A Garland of Iowa Songs as published by the Meadow Press printed in green and black laid in. This is the sixth Meadow Press book.
520. Affirmations. Chicago: Third World Press, [1971].
$100
First printing, 8vo, pp. 24; original printed wrappers, light wear at edges, else near fine. Menkiti's first collection of poetry published by Haki R. Madhubuti's Third World Press in 1971 in Chicago.
521. Luna Tack no. 3. Iowa City: Dog Hair Press, 1983.
$50
11" x 8½", pp. 44; printed from typescript; 2 plates from photographs; staples a little rusty, else near fine.
Contributions by Allan Kornblum, Jim Heynen, Andrei Codrescu, John Sjoberg, and Anselm Hollo, among others.
Not found in OCLC.
522. The poems of Megan Merker printed for her grandfather on his birthday October 2 1961. [Iowa City]: Stone Wall Press, [1961].
$950
Printed in a limited but unspecified edition and signed with Megan's thumbprint on the colophon in red; 16mo (approx. 6½" x 4"), pp. [4]; title page printed in red and black; fine in original plain blue wrappers. From the library of Kim Merker.
This is the rarest (by far) of the Stone Wall Press titles.
Berger, Printing and the Mind of Merker, A3: "About 20 copies in Romanée on Umbria paper ... Megan, my daughter, was under two years old when she said some wonderful little rhymed 'poems.' My father's birthday was coming up so I thought I would print for him the collected poems of Megan Merker, his granddaughter, as a present ... I don't know how many copies I did of it, but I don't think there is any book that I have done in which the actual number of copies equals the number of copies given in the colophon."
Emery, Iowa, Amherst and Utah in OCLC.
523. Feathers from the hill. Iowa City: Windhover Press, 1978.
$125
Edition limited to 270 copies signed by Merwin (complete signature - see below), slim 8vo, pp. 70, [2]; 4-color frontispiece by Kim Merker; original black cloth, printed paper label on spine; fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
Berger, Printing and the Mind of Merker, 69: "This is the only illustration I have ever done in my life, though the skyline on the Sinsabaugh book cover might be considered another one ... When I sent the unfolded sheets to Merwin to sign he signed them under the colophon. The pages were then folded and trimmed, and his signature got pretty large in places and got partially cut off in some copies..."
524. Feathers from the hill. Iowa City: Windhover Press, 1978.
$1,500
Edition limited to 270 copies signed by Merwin (complete signature - see below), slim 8vo, pp. 70, [2]; 4-color frontispiece by Kim Merker; original black cloth, printed paper label on spine; fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
This copy additionally inscribed by Merwin on the colophon: "For Kim / one more / feather / with affection and congratulations / finding you and the book, both, in Iowa City / December 14 1978."
Berger, Printing and the Mind of Merker, 69: "This is the only illustration I have ever done in my life, though the skyline on the Sinsabaugh book cover might be considered another one ... When I sent the unfolded sheets to Merwin to sign he signed them under the colophon. The pages were then folded and trimmed, and his signature got pretty large in places and got partially cut off in some copies..."
525. Finding the islands. San Francisco: North Point Press, 1982.
$45
First edition, 8vo, pp. [8], 71, [3]; fine copy in a fine, unclipped dust jacket. Complimentary slip from the publishers laid in. From the library of Kim Merker.
526. Half the night sky deep cloud. [West Branch]: Toothpaste Press, 1982.
$45
Broadside, 9¾" x 6¼", from Merwin's Finding the Islands, printed by the Toothpaste Press as part of the Bookslinger exhibit at the 1982 A.B.A. Convention, Anaheim.
527. Mary. New York: Jordan Davies, 1976.
$125
Edition limited to 175 copies signed by Merwin (this, no. 55); 8vo, pp. [4], 39, [1]; title page printed in red and black; original red cloth-backed red decorative floral boards, lettered in black on spine; fine copy. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
528. Signs. A poem with graphics by A. D. Moore. Iowa City: Stone Wall Press, 1971.
$175
Edition limited to "200 copies printed at Urbana, Illinois by K. K. M." Oblong 8vo (approx. 4½" x 9¼"); pp. [52]; printed in yellow and black; original gray cloth silkscreened in black; fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
The colophon notes that "Publication of this work was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts." As in all copies, this text has been circled by Merwin and he has added a note in ink: "I did not realize this / W. S. Merwin." Underneath which is a coda, of sorts, by the artist: "I did. / A. D. Moore."
Berger, Printing and the Mind of Merker, 45: '[A]t a party outside Iowa City, we were out in a field after lots of drinking. He gave me a two-page poem to print, "Signs." Under the influence of alcohol I accepted it and later had to figure out how to print it ... I couldn't figure out how to make a book of what was in effect a group of little couplets. I finally decided that I would do it in columns..."
529. Firebird. Minneapolis and Tucson: Granary Books [and] Chax Press, 1987.
$60
Edition limited to 236 copies (this, one of 200 in wrappers, is no. 124), 8vo, pp. [44]; printed on Arches paper in red and black; illustration by Cynthia Miller; original card wrappers with hand-made gray dust jacket by Mary Beaton; generally fine. Signed by Metcalf on the half-title. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
Designed and printed by Charles Alexander.
530. Where the sun sleeps, our fathers came thence. [Stockholm, Wisconsin]: Midnight Paper Sales, 1996.
$45
Edition limited to 70 numbered and signed copies, poetry broadside 11" x 15" with a color relief print by Gaylord Schanilec. Excerpted from Metcalf's Collected Works, volume I, published by Coffee House Press.
Quarter to Midnight A.155.
531. Willie's throw. [Richmond, MA: Mad River Press, 1989].
$45
Second edition limited to 350 copies; 8vo, pp. [12]; original printed blue wrappers and pictorial dust jacket by Julio Granda; fine copy, signed by Metcalf. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
532. Poikilos. Urbana, Illinois: Finial Press / Stone Wall Press, [1971].
$100
First edition limited to 250 copies printed by Bonnie O'Connell, Christine Fey, and Kim Merker, 16mo (approx. 7" x 4¼"); pp. [34]; fine in original black cloth, gilt-stamped on upper cover with abstract Greek pi, hand-tied macramé bookmark by Bonnie O'Connell, publisher's slipcase. From the library of Kim Merker.
Berger, Printing & the Mind of Merker, 46: "Bonnie was doing macramé at the time, and she did 250 macraméd bookmarks using the Greek colors of purple and gold and white. She did a great job but she nearly died doing them, there were so many."
533. The wandering jew. Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa: The Hillside Press, 1960.
$150
First edition limited to 350 copies on Strathmore Text in Goudy Old Style, 8vo, pp. [4], 7-21, [1]; original brown paper wrappers; generally fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
This copy inscribed by Mezey "For Kim and Con, with the warmest affection - Bob. May 8, 1960." Also signed by Mezey on the title page.
Mezey received the Lamont Prize for poetry for his first book The Lovemaker (1960) as well as the 2002 Poets' Prize for Collected Poems: 1952-1999. "During a year at Franklin and Marshall College he was for a time suspended after an accusation of inciting students to burn draft cards" (Wikipedia).
534. Oxides. [Iowa City]: Seamark Press, 1976.
$50
Limited edition printed in an unspecified number (a common Seamark ploy), 8vo, pp. [40]; title page printed in red and black; tiny spots at the top odge of the upper cover, else fine in original cream paper-covered boards printed in black and red. From the library of Kim Merker.
Printed by Kay Amert and Howard Zimmon.
535. [Miller, Joachim.] Two letters, the first a six-page autograph letter and the second a four-page autograph letter, both signed from Grace Russell Fountain to Ina Coolbrith regarding caring for Joachim Miller in old age. Oakland: n.d., [ca.1912].
$450
Both letters measuring approx. 5.5" x 8.25", the first with approx. 10 lines on each page. The letter makes mention of a poem that was passed between Coolbrith and Miller and a spat of some sort between the two women in which Fountain asks Coolbrith to stop speaking ill of her.
The second letter on Fabiola Hospital Association stationery, 25 lines and 150 words, in pencil; previous folds, very good. "Juanita came last night and wishes me to say that I can send you the original manuscript. In my heart I always wished the same thing but as I explained ... it was not my place to do so without her consent. The Poet is much improved and we expect many more beautiful poems. I just asked him what word to send you. This is it: 'I am making great progress, I don't care for this d___ business. I'll soon be out sleeping in a thicket on the hillside.' Now is not this like an almost well man. He does enjoy Juanita who is such a charming girl ... I'll get the poem to you just as soon as I get back to the Heights..."
536. Provinces. Poems 1987 - 1991. Translated by the author and Robert Hass. New York: The Ecco Press, [1991].
$75
First edition, 8vo, pp. [8], 72; fine copy in a fine, unclipped dustjacket. From the library of Kim Merker.
This copy with an order form and a letter from the publicity manager at Ecco Press to Kim Merker laid in, with a request to have Milosz's poem "The Thistle, The Nettle" published as a broadside. "We intend to give these away at A.B.A. to representatives of the finest independent bookstores across the country ... Prairie Lights there in Iowa City, The Hungry Mind in St. Paul ... I hope the project appeals to you..."
Apparently, Merker was not interested. No record of such a Merker-printed broadside exists. The project was taken up by the Okeanos Press in Oakland and published the following year.
537. A masque and other poems. Boston & New York: Houghton, Mifflin, 1887.
$50
First edition, 8vo, pp. [1, ads], [6], 63; title-page vignette, original quarter cream cloth over cream boards, printed paper spine label; binding is soiled, a couple small chips to spine label, endpapers discolored; overall a good, sound copy with the signature of Shakespearean actor Edward Smith Willard on front pastedown.
538. After the long train. Poems. Minneapolis: Bieler Press, 1986.
$75
Edition limited to 150 copies (this, copy no. 27) signed by the author, the illustrator, and the printer, Gerald Lange; 8vo, pp. [40]; printed in red and black, woodcut on title page by Fred Bryan, endsheets of red Japanese Moriki, the covers handmade Duchene; fine.
539. Double rising eyelids rolling blue. Berkeley: Rebis Press, 1972.
$50
Edition limited to 250 copies, small 4to, pp. [44]; printed, designed, and with 4 tipped in illustrations by Ed Moore and Betsy Davids; original pictorial blue wrappers, lightly sunned at the edges, else near fine. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
This is the first book published by Rebis Press.
540. Poetry and criticism. Cambridge, MA: [Adams House and Lowell House Printers], 1965.
$45
Edition limited to 200 copies "printed on a hand-press in Harvard Yard," 8vo, pp. [12]; near fine in original red wrappers printed in black on front cover, corners slightly bumped.
An essay "written in response to questions posed by Mr. Howard Nemerov" late in the poet's life.
541. You haven't heard a love song in years. Urbana, Illinois: The Finial Press, 1966.
$75
Edition limited to 120 copies (this, copy no. 2) printed by Alvin Doyle Moore using Bulmer types on Frankfurt paper; 16mo, pp. 23, [1]; original red cloth; fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
Alvin Doyle Moore (1931-2013) was born in Seiling, Oklahoma ... he joined the US Air Force; was deployed to Tokyo, Japan; and, whilst there, worked as art director for the Stars and Stripes Newsletter. After returning from active duty, he was accepted into the Art and Design program at the University of Iowa; it was here that he received his MFA in Design. He joined the faculty at the University of Illinois within the School of Art and Design in 1959; he taught graphic design. While teaching at the university, he also founded Finial Press, where he designed posters, brochures, books, and awards for the University, the School of Art and Design, and the Champaign-Urbana community" (from the Library at the Univ. of Illinois-Urbana website).
Emery, Newberry, Northern Illinois, Illinois-Urbana, and Wisconsin only in OCLC
542. Dot Town. [West Branch, Iowa]: The Toothpaste Press, [1982].
$45
Edition limited to 2000 copies, square 12mo (6¼" square), pp. [36]; 17 illustrations, some in partial color, plus covers by Morice; fine copy in original pictorial wrappers.
543. Dr. Alphabet's Poetry City Marathon and other sidewalk shows! [cover title]. Poetry City, U.S.A. Poem wrapped around the block. By Dr. Alphabet. Iowa City: [The Happy Press], 1977.
$125
Side-stapled chapbook limited to 1000 copies, 11" x 8½"; 12 leaves paged [4], A-P; facsimile and 1 illustration; printed from typescript; original pictorial wrappers by Morice; fine. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
Distributed during the Nonesuch Fair, an arts and games festival, sponsored by the Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department, April 22-24, 1977. "This booklet is dedicated to the first 100 people who read it."
544. [Morice, Dave.] Concrete blocks. An anagram love story. [Iowa City: JOMO Publishing, 2010].
$50
8vo, pp. 60; fine in original pictorial wrappers. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
"Concrete blocks uses anagrams to tell the love story of Lily and Fred." Joyce Holland is one of several pseudonyms used by Dave Morice.
Iowa only in OCLC.
545. Jnd-song of the golden gradrti and other fables of fhra. Poems by Dave Morice. Iowa City: The Happy Press, 1977.
$125
Side-stapled chapbook approx. 8¼" x 5½", pp. [20]; printed from typescript on rectos only; original pictorial wrappers by Morice; fine. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
Dedicated to his alter-ego Joyce Holland. This is Morice's fifth book of poetry.
Six in OCLC: Brown, Yale, Iowa, Temple, Penn., and NY Public.
546. Poetry Comics! Postcard Issue 17. [Iowa, City, Iowa: The Happy Press, 1982].
$125
"This postcard issue reprints panels from the book Poetry Comics: A Cartooniverse of Poems, published this month by Simon & Schuster." 32 cartoon postcards (complete) by Morice in a pictorial blue sleeve, 4¼" x 5½". This is the last of 17 such compilations issued from 1979 to 1982. Fine.
547. Poetry comics. A series of disparate issues: nos. 2, 3, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 16. Iowa City, Iowa: The Happy Press, 1979-81.
$450
Seven issues in all, 11" x 8½", side stapled, mimeographed on various color paper; generally very good to near fine.
Includes Morice's comic renditions of The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, In a Station of the Metro, Ozymandias, The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner, Howl, and other poems by Shakespeare, Pope, Tennyson, Rossetti, Keats, Byron, Poe, Ginsberg, Whitman, Erica Jong, and including letters from readers such as Anselm Hollo, Andrei Codrescu, Joe Brainard, Darrell Gray, Warren Woessner, Frank Zappa, Anne Waldman, Robert Creeley, among others, and a Poetry Comics crossword puzzle by Morice.
Seventeen issues in all were published.
548. Snapshots from Europe. A travelogue. West Branch, Iowa: The Toothpaste Press, [1974].
$75
Edition limited to "about 170 copies," oblong 16mo (approx. 4½" x 5¾"), pp. [12]; fine in original printed wrappers.
Peich 21.
549. Speakeasy #1. Iowa City: July, 1976.
$65
Side-stapled chapbook approx. 5½" x 4", pp. [80]; printed from typescript; original decorative printed wrappers; about fine. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
Speakeasy is a magazine of poems by members of the Poetry Class for People Over 60, a class conducted by Morice. Number 1 is all that appears to have been issued. Among those here collected are a medical research lab technician, an elementary school teacher, a licensed practical nurse, a psychologist, a substitute janitor, an actress, a kindergarten teacher, among others.
Arizona only in OCLC.
550. The cutist anthology. Iowa City: The Happy Press, 1979.
$150
Side-stapled chapbook approx. 8¼" x 5½", pp. [46]; printed from typescript; 6 full-page illustrations by Roberta Periwinkleshoe; original pictorial wrappers; fine. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
In 1979, Morice created a school of poetry called Cutism. "His Cutist Anthology includes poems by Sally Lunchkins, Tommy Triped, and others, 'Have a nice day' artwork by Roberta Periwinkleshoe, and the requisite defensive polemic by Samuel F. Romular. Morice's send-ups attest to his connection to a school of poetry that began in Iowa City… called Actualism" (Jeff Weinstein, "Poetry in Motion," in The Village Voice, XXVI, 31, 1981).
Poetry by Sally Lunchkins, Samuel F. Romular, Susan Tummy, Tommy Triped, Roberta Periwinkleshoe, and Melvin Virility Anderson. Essay by Samuel F. Romular - all likely pseudonyms of Dave Morice.
Six in OCLC: Brown, Yale, Iowa, Temple, Penn., and NY Public.
551. Tilt. A collection of poems and stories. [Iowa City, Iowa]: Toothpaste Press, 1971.
$50
First edition limited to 450 copies, 4to, 11" x 8½", side-stapled, pp. [46]; illustrated throughout by Morice; printed from typescript; fine copy in original yellow wrappers, and in the original pictorial manila envelope (slightly worn) with a design by P. Dooley and printed at the Nomad Press.
An early Toothpaste Press publication and the first of many collaborations between Morice and Allan Kornblum.
Peich 7.
552. Wooden nickel art project: a catalog of artists wooden nickels. [Iowa City: The Happy Press], 1988].
$350
First edition, side-stapled chapbook limited to 350 copies, 11" x 8½"; 20 leaves printed from typescript on rectos only; including 13 leaves of illustrations of customized wooden nickels by various artists, musicians, writers, sports figures, politicians, poets, and others; original pictorial wrappers by Morice; fine. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press. Laid in are five pages of photocopied news articles about the project from the Iowa City Press-Citizen
Among those submitting the wooden nickels with artwork - 240 of them - are Don Rickles, Pearl Bailey, Phyllis Diller, Joan Baez, George Bush, Andy Griffith, Mario Cuomo, Jesse Helms, Walter Mondale, Hank Ketcham, Dr. Suess, Frank Capra, Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Manson, William F. Buckley, Mel Brooks, Johnny Unitas, Stan Musial, Jim Henson, Ringo Starr, Larry Bird, Ralph Nader, Carrie Fisher, even Bozo the Clown.
Iowa only in OCLC, and that copy defective.
553. Five Cummington poems. [Northampton, Mass.: Kraushar Press], 1939.
$125
Edition limited to 300 copies, "printed especially for the Association of Friends of the Cummington School ... one hundred are for sale at twenty-five cents a copy," 8vo, pp. [8]; original printed green wrappers; near fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
Richmond 1.
554. A garland of snow for Christmas. [Cummington, Massachusetts]: The Cummington Press for Christmas, 1944.
$75
Bifolium (approx. 5¾" x 4¾"), cover vignette illustration of a snowflake by Wightman Williams; fine copy. From the library of Kim Merker.
Richmond 19.
555. Time of year, a first book of poems introduced by Wallace Stevens. [Cummington, Mass.]: Cummington Press, 1943.
$150
Edition limited to 275 copies on Andria, and printed in Centaur and Arrighi types; 8vo, pp. viii, [3], 12-52, [2]; title page printed in red and black with a zodiac design by Eugene Canade; near fine copy in original red paper-covered boards with a zodiac design. From the library of Kim Merker.
Richmond 14.
556. The bibelot: a reprint of poetry and prose for book lovers, chosen in part from scarce editions and sources not generally known. Portland, ME: Thomas B. Mosher, 1895-1914.
$175
First editions, 22 volumes, 12mo; original art vellum-backed blue paper-covered boards, paper labels on spines printed in red and black, volumes xi-xx and the two index volumes in the original blue dust jackets and slipcases; the spines of volumes i-x unevenly browned and the labels variously chipped (those on vols. i, ii, and iv especially so, and sporting autograph additions), the remaining volumes with jackets and cases showing various degrees of browning; overall, a good to very good set, with clean and bright textblocks. Including, in addition to the comprehensive index published in 1914, the first published index from 1906, covering volumes i - xii only.
557. Chekhov, a poem. New York: Albondocani Press, 1972.
$50
First edition limited to 176 copies signed by Moss, this one of 150 for sale; square 12mo, pp. [16]; title page printed in red and black; generally a fine copy in original marbled wrappers, printed paper label on the upper cover. From the library of Kim Merker.
This copy inscribed "For Kim, With affection and thanks, Howard, December, 1973."
Printed by William Ferguson, Cambridge, Massachusetts, as Albondocani Press publication no. 15.
558. Poem, written for and delivered at the reunion of the graduates of the Lynn High School, on the evening of May 19th, 1865. Lynn: H. S. Cox, printer, [1865].
$125
Broadside, approx. 12" x 9", text in triple column beneath a running heading of 4 lines; central fold, else fine.
AAS and Middlebury only in OCLC.
559. Manuscript poem beginning: I hear the soft September rain.... n.p., n.d.: [likely London, ca. late 1870s].
$175
12mo, 6 stanzas, 24 lines; a touch of lightness to the ink, and her hand rather delicate, mounted; very small tear starting at one mount.
The poem is headed by Psalm 88.18: "Lover and Friend Hast Thou put far from me." Moulton's first volume of poems, Swallow Flights (its name inspired by a lyric of Tennyson) was published in England in 1877; the American version was titled simply Poems. The manuscript poem here did in fact appear in print in this first book of Moulton’s verse, pp. 64-65, which might also suggest the manuscript itself, though not explicitly dated, may well come from very early in her poetic career.
560. Cargo. [Iowa City]: The Stone Wall Press / The Seamark Press, 1972.
$125
Edition limited to 150 copies, 8vo, pp. 61, [3]; sewn binding, without covers; fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
This copy inscribed by Paul Nelson to Kim Merker: "Kim / Thank you for this / clear, open book. / Warm regards, / Paul Nelson."
Berger, Printing & the Mind of Merker, 50: "Printed as a joint publication with Kay Amert and Howard Zimmon of the Seamark Press."
561. Jacob's ladder. Oakland: Rebis Press / Eucalyptus Press, 1977.
$325
Scroll, on 5 conjoined sheets, the whole measuring approx. 48" x 11½", edition limited to 150 copies on Honsho, designed by Betsy Davis and Jim Petrillo, hand-set in Spectrum and Libra at the Eucalyptus Press, Mills College, and printed by Betsy Davis on the Rebis Vandercook, with the help of members of the Bookmaking & Publishing class, Mills College; printed in black and green on Hosho paper within floral ladder border, and contained in the original tube with paper label also printed in green and black; generally fine.
From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
562. Ode to some yellow flowers [by Pablo Neruda and translated by Robert Bly]. [Austin, Texas: Cold Mountain Press, 1973].
$65
Folded broadsheet approx. 14" x 7", folding down into thirds (5" x 7") and enclosing a series of 10 postcards ("Series I, nos. 1-10), each with a Cold Mountain Press Poetry Card and dated 1973, including those from Denise Levertov, Donald Hall, William Stafford, Terry Stokes, and 6 others. Small stain on the backside of the broadsheet, else fine.
Six in OCLC: Brown, Houston, Princeton, Houston, MHS, Arizona.
563. We are many. New York and London: Grossman Publishers in association with Cape Goliard, 1968.
$45
First edition, one of 2000 copies in wrappers for the American market; square 8vo, pp. [32]; portrait of Neruda by Hans Ehrmann; fine in original hammer-shaped die-cut wrappers by Jim Dine; crease in back wrapper, else fine. Wrappers by Rochelle Kraut. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
564. [New American Poets Series.] Berg Goodman Mezey. Poems [cover title]. Boston: New Ventures Press, 1957.
$50
Small 8vo, pp. 52; last page of text printed on the inside back cover; errata slip tipped in inside back cover; fine in original card wrappers and a near fine dust jacket with a small chip from the top of the spine. From the library of Kim Merker.
Issued as no. 2 in the New American Poets series. This appears to be the first book appearance of all three poets.
565. [New Directions.] The poet of the month. Norfolk, Conn.: New Directions, 1942.
$250
"Poet of the Month" series for 1942, consisting of 12 pamphlets, all with wrappers and all with printed dust jackets; contained in the publisher's cardboard slipcase with a red printed label; occasional sunning along the edges, but in all a very good set. From the library of Kim Merker.
Includes John Berryman's Poems, (his first book) Robert Penn Warren's Eleven Poems on the Same Theme, The Teeth of the Lion, by Kenneth Patchen, and Some Odes of Pindar, translated by Richard Lattimore.
566. The night in which all cats are gray ... another Stan Rembrant thriller. Massachusetts and New York: Swamppress, 1980.
$75
Edition limited to 280 copies, this being one of 100 hardcovers "bound in Stan's shirts from his strictly therapeutic trip to the Virgin Islands," square 8vo, pp. [4], 10, [2]; title-page illustration by Brig Elliott; near fine throughout. Signed by the author.
567. The narrative of Johnny Appleseed. Champaign, Illinois: Moneytree Press, [1970].
$50
Limited edition of an unspecified number, 8vo, pp. [34]; printed in red and black throughout; generally a fine copy in original red cloth stamped in black. From the library of Kim Merker.
568. Geronimo. [Minneapolis]: Coffee House Press, [1985].
$100
Edition limited to 35 copies on Arches (there were also 10 copies on handmade Canterbury); 10½" x 15" poetry broadside with a wood engraving by Gaylord Schanilec.
Designed by Allan Kornblum and printed by Kent Aldrich at Minnesota Center for Book Arts for John Koontz, Cumberland Bookshop.
Quarter to Midnight A.62.
569. Fly by night. Some poems old and new. [Monte Rio, California]: Doris Green Editions, 1992.
$45
First edition, 4to, pp. [48]; some sunning along the spine, else near fine in original printed tan wrappers. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Toothpaste Press and Coffee House Press.
LSU only in OCLC.
570. Fundamental toy poems. [Monte Rio, California]: Doris Green Editions, [1982].
$50
First edition limited to 250 copies, this one of 224 copies in wrappers and unsigned; oblong 8vo, 24 leaves printed from typescript on rectos only and on different colored paper; errata slip tipped in after the title leaf; some toning, but generally near fine throughout. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
571. Broadsides by participants in the 1984-1985 Interstate Writers-in-the-Schools Program. Sponsored by the North Dakota Council on the Arts and COMPAS, with major funding provided by the Otto Bremer Foundation. N.p. [Minneapolis: printed by Allan Kornblum at the Coffee House Press], 1985.
$250
34 broadsides printed in red and black, each approx. 12¾" x 9½" containing poems by North Dakota students in grades 4-12 under the supervision of writers in the Interstate Writers-in-the-Schools residency program (which included Bill Holm, Nancy Paddock, John Minczeski, Kathleen Norris, Richard Solly, David Mura, and others), printed letterpress on Ingres-Fabriano and contained in an orange stiff paper portfolio with a printed paper label on the upper cover.
Although not stated, these broadsides were all printed by Allan Kornblum at the Coffee House Press in Minneapolis.
Not found in OCLC.
572. Dinner party. Poems. Muscatine, Iowa: The Prairie Press, 1942.
$65
First edition limited to 550 signed copies, 8vo, pp. [3]-82, [1]; fine copy in a slightly soiled jacket.
This copy inscribed to Isabella Gardner from the author.
Cheever 46.
573. Evening. [West Chester, Pennsylvania]: Aralia Press, 1999.
$50
Edition limited to 150 copies handset in Spectrum types on Zerkall; 8vo, pp. [24]; woodcut by Carlin Northrop on title page printed in blue; fine copy in original cream wrappers. From the library of Kim Merker.
574. A diamond necklace. [New York]: Frontward Books, [1977].
$225
First edition limited to 350 copies, 4to, 11" x 8½", 30 leaves printed from typescript on rectos only; cover art by Rochelle Kraut; small stain on front wrapper, else just about fine in original pictorial hand-colored wrappers, side-stapled. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
575. How spring comes. West Brance, Iowa: The Toothpaste Press, March, 1981.
$500
First edition limited to 100 copies signed and numbered by Notley, this, copy no. 2 and the personal copy of the designer and printer, Allan Kornblum; tall 8vo, pp. [6], 9-53, [1]; title-page drawing by George Schneeman in red and black; generally, fine in original blue cloth bound at the Black Oak Bindery, printed paper label on upper cover; slightest fading at the extremities, else fine. There was another issue of this book in 900 copies in wrappers.
Peich 57.
576. Collected poems. New York: Frederick A. Stokes, [1913].
$175
Fifth printing, 2 vols., 8vo, pp. vi, 426; vi, 451; frontispiece portrait in vol. I; contemporary half blue morocco over blue linen sides, gilt lettered direct on gilt-paneled spines; fine.
Volume 1 with a presentation slip laid in: "With the pleasantest memories of Duluth, Alfred Noyes April 6, '15."
577. Conversation, for Robert Lowell. [West Branch, Iowa]: Toothpaste Press for Bookslinger Editions, 1981.
$150
Letterpress broadside, edition limited to 85 numbered copies (this, marked 'os'), approx. 13" x 9½", printed in blue, yellow and black; printed on the occasion of the author's reading at the Walker Art Center, May 14, 1981. This copy signed by Ai.
Yale, Indiana, Vermont, UC-Davis and Berkeley in OCLC. Also included in the Bookslinger Twenty Broadsides portfolio, 1981-82.
578. Vis-à-vis Bali: poetry and photographs. [New York: New Observations Press, 1985].
$50
First edition limited to 500 copies, square 8vo, pp. [28]; illustrated with photographic reproductions throughout; fine copy in original pictorial wrappers.
579. [Oldknow, Antony, editor.] The Mainstreeter 5. [Grand Forks, ND: The Scopcraeft Press, December, 1973.]
$75
Small 4to, pp. [2], 18; green pictorial wrappers, saddle-stitched, printed offset; near fine.
Contains two poems by Schanilec: "The Bridge," and "The Ibis Hotel." The "Notes on Contributors" mentions that Schanilec has had poems acepted by Bruce Severy's Mouse River Review, a publication which never materialzed. This is Gaylord's second appearance in print after The Black Light, Volume II - his junior year high-school yearbook.
Quarter to Midnight A.3.
580. Metanoia. Poems by.... Council Bluffs: Yellow Barn Press, 1979.
$600
Printed in a limited edition of an unspecified number but Walsdorf notes the number in the edition is 64; 8vo, pp. 24; title-page portrait by Sue Pospeschil Olson; fine in original maroon cloth, printed paper label on spine. From the library of Kim Merker.
Hand-printed by Neil Shaver at his Yellow Barn Press on a Washington hand-press, text set in Baskerville, and printed on Rives paper.
Walsdorf, A1: "I printed this first book in Harry Duncan's class at the University of Nebraska at Omaha ... At this time I knew nothing about what it took to produce a book" (Neil Shaver).
Only 5 in OCLC: Cal State-Sacramento, LC, Council Bluffs Public Library, Nebraska, and U. Penn.
581. Projective verse. Brooklyn: Totem Press, [1959].
$250
First edition, 8vo, pp. 14; original pictorial wrappers; some soiling, else very good. Cover art by Matsumi Kanemitsu.
From the library of Israel "Izzy" Young, former owner of the Folklore Center in Greenwich Village, New York, with his ownership notation on the back cover: "Israel G. Young, 5-7-65, from 8th St. Book Shop." Also, with a note in Izzy's hand on p. 3: "My notes on this essay are on p. 29 of my second notebook on poetry."
582. Some early poems. Iowa City: The Windhover Press, University of Iowa, [1978].
$125
Edition limited to 300 copies, square 8vo, pp. [62]; woodcut portrait on title page by Roxanne Sexauer; original black cloth-backed gray paper-covered boards, stamped in gilt on spine; fine copy. From the library of Kim Merker.
Berger, Printing & the Mind of Merker, 70: Printed "for the occasion of the Charles Olson Festival, November, 1978 at the University of Iowa."
583. Worms into nails: poems. Mount Horeb, WI: Perishable Press, 1969.
$65
Edition limited to 200 copies (this, no. 47) signed by the poet, 8vo, pp. [36]; unopened, as issued; blue cloth, gilt-decorated cover; fine.
Two Decades, 28
584. Privilege. Poems ... Images by Ladislav Hanka. [New York]: Cut Away Books, [2002].
$75
First edition limited to 100 copies signed by Oness and Hanka; oblong 12mo, pp. [24]; fine copy in card wrappers and handmade blue paper dust jacket with printed label on upper cover. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
585. Fallibility ... With a wood engraving by Lad Hanka. Winona, Minn.: Sutton Hoo Press, 2003.
$85
Edition limited to 126 copies printed from handset Perpetua, 8vo, pp. [14]; original hand-made paper wrappers, title printed on upper wrapper; fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
Laid in is a full-page autograph letter signed from Chad Oness, the proprietor of Sutton Hoo, to Kim Merker: "Hey, Kim! It was truly great to see you the day after Thanksgiving! You looked great and I was pleased by your great animation & good spirits. I've inquired about the Doves Press book already ... Thanks for the tip! Enclosed please find Bets' book I did at SHP for Memorial Day 2003. All best, Chad."
586. Mother and daughter and the sea. Poems ... Illustrated by Jana Fothergill. Madison: Black Mesa Press, 1981.
$75
Edition limited to 150 copies (this, no. 216); 8vo, pp. [22]; 2 full-page illustrations; printed in green and black from Garamond on hand-made paper by Alison Circle and Charles Alexander; original blindstamped green wrappers, printed in black on spine; fine. From the library of Allan Kornblum, poet, fine press printer, and publisher who founded Coffee House Press.
587. Names & local habitations (selected earlier poems 1951-1972). Accolade by Hayden Carruth and introduction by William Corbett. [Winston-Salem, North Carolina]: Jargon Society, 1988.
$50
First edition, 8vo, pp. xvii, [1], 289, [1]; fine copy in a fine, unclipped dust jacket. From the library of Kim Merker.
588. Sirventes on a sad occurrence. Madison, WI: Perishable Press, 1967.
$150
Edition limited to 130 copies signed by Oppenheimer, square 12mo, pp. [18]; printed in red and black; original printed brown wrappers; fine. From the library of Kim Merker.
Hamady, Two Decades, 10.
589. The love bit. New York: Totem Press, 1962.
$45
First edition, 8vo, 8" x 5¼", pp. [48]; pictorial wrappers a bit soiled; very good. Cover art by Dan Rice.
This copy inscribed "Joel Oppenheimer 7/9/71 Michigan" on the title page.
590. [Oriole Press.] Flame.... Berkeley Heights, NJ: Oriole Press [for private distribution], 1947.
$45
Edition ltd. to 110 copies (this, no. 27); thin 8vo, pp. 21, [1]; printed in red and black; original cloth-backed floral paper-covered boards, printed paper label on spine (a little rubbed), Christmas gift inscription 1947 on front free endpaper; all else near fine.
Ishill 82.
591. Sleeping on doors. Lisbon, Iowa: Penumbra Press, 1975.
$75
Edition limited to 200 copies (this, no. 23) signed by the poet and printed by Bonnie P. O'Connell from Palatino types on Nideggen; 8vo, pp. 25, [3]; printed in blue and black; original tan cloth, printed paper label on spine; fine copy. From the library of Kim Merker.
Original prospectus for the book laid in.
592. A garland of Iowa songs. Traditional folk lyrics of Iowa and the Midwest. Selection and commentary by Harry Oster. Iowa City: Meadow Press, 1977.
$50
Edition limited to 200 copies signed by Oster (this, no. 30), handset and handprinted by Leigh McLellan; oblong 8vo, pp. [24]; printed in green and black; fine copy in original blue wrappers printed in green. From the library of Kim Merker.
This is the fifth Meadow Press publication.
593. Seven scintillations. Poems...illustrated by Margaret Agner. Pittsburgh: Press of the Nightowl, 1965.
$45
Edition limited to 130 copies, 8vo, unpaginated; illustrations, many in color, throughout; original orange cloth, paper spine label, grey protective dust wrapper, "Agner" written in manuscript on wrapper spine; a fine copy.
Compliments from the Press and Dwight E. Agner, prop., laid in.
594. My apologies to Kipling. [Minneapolis]: Coffee House Press, n.d., .
$75
13½" x 19" poetry broadside printed at MCBA for the author and friends.
595. Calidore; a legendary poem ... Pronounced before the Society of United Brothers, of Brown University; on the day preceding commencement, September 3, 1839. Boston: Marsh, Capen, Lyon, and Webb [Knowles & Vose, printers, Providence], 1839.
$50
First edition, slim 8vo, pp. 48; original brown paper-covered boards, printed paper label on spine; the spine a bit flaked, joints cracked, else a good copy.
American Imprints 57752; not in Bartlett.
596. How to be a woodpecker. West Branch, Iowa: The Toothpaste Press, 1983.
$75
Edition limited to 600 copies (this, no. 335), signed by the author and artist, square 8vo (6¾" square), pp. [24]; printed in red and black; 5 full-page illustrations by Trevor Winkfield; fine copy in original black Canson wrappers with printed label; handset by David Duer, printed by Allan Kornblum and David Duer.
597. Anselmo: a poem. San Fransisco: H. H. Bancroft & Company, 1865.
$60
First edition; 12mo; pp. [5], 4-148, [2]; original blindstamped green cloth lettered in gilt on the spine; a very good copy with mild soiling and wear to the extremities. Lacks the errata slip. With the ownership signature of "Mrs. E. E. Lawrence, San Francisco, Cal."
598. Van Lingle Mungo. [Minneapolis]: Coffee House Press, n.d., [ca. 1985].
$50
22½" x 15" poetry broadside, with a relief print of a drawing by Kent Aldrich. Van Lingle Mungo (1911–1985) was a Major League Baseball right-handed pitcher known for his career with the Brooklyn Robins and Dodgers.
599. Remains of Samuel Bartlett Parris, M. D. comprising miscellaneous poems and essays, selected from his manuscripts; with a biographical sketch of the author. Plymouth, Mass: published by Ezra Collier, Allen Danforth, printer, 1829.
$50
First edition, 12mo, pp. xii, 13-312; contemporary mottled calf; red morocco label; textblock slightly toned; otherwise very good. Ink ownership inscription of Josiah Ames, 1834.
Parris (1806-1827) began his medical practice in Attleborough, MA in 1825 and died only two years later. He composed most of these writings between the ages of 12 and 18, and they were posthumously discovered by his friends and family, who desired printed copies. The text is mostly comprised of poems and discourses on various subjects.
American Imprints, 39969.
600. Poems. Boston: Ticknor & Fields, 1854.
$50
First edition, third issue, 12mo, pp. 189; original brown cloth, spine gilt, covers blind-ruled; spine edges frayed and beginning to chip, else very good.
BAL 15521.