Subscribe
E-list # 141
McSweeney's
McSweeney's Early Years: Books, magazines, journals, photographs, artifacts, props, and ephemera focused primarily on the people and events of the company's first retail storefront, called "Store," in Brooklyn, NY., ca. 1999-2003. Most of the items here were assembled by Joe Pacheco, the unofficial "house photographer," (there was also a house band and a house artist). The collection includes material from one of the underdocumented efforts of the company──its earliest venture into the public realm, as a meeting place, an art space, a venue for education, and a veritable walk-in closet of McSweeney's philosophy. Among the individuals represented are Dave Eggers, David Foster Wallace, Jonathan Franzen, Jonathan Lethem, Rick Moody, George Saunders, Haruki Murakami, Neal Pollack, Lydia Davis, David Byrne, Thurston Moore, Michael Chabon, Zadie Smith, A.M. Homes, Marcel Dzama, Nick Hornby, William Vollmann, and many others. Some of the highlights include the first 12 issues of McSweeney's journal, signed by dozens of the contributors; proof copies and trade editions of Lydia Davis' Samuel Johnson is Indignant, including ones signed by her and by David Byrne, who did the cover art; Marcel Dzama's first appearance in print; a collection of Might magazine, the precursor to McSweeney's; various promotional items from the Store; photographs of visitors and performers, some published, others not; and more. "Store" closed in 2003 and a later retail outlet was opened elsewhere in Brooklyn a year later, as well as a store in San Francisco that gave birth to the McSweeney's nonprofit literacy ventures 826 Valencia and 826NYC. The original Store, however, which contained the seed elements for the later ventures, remains little documented, although some of Pacheco's photographs were published in the book The Art of McSweeney's, in 2010.
Note: Items 1-17 are related to the journal Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, whose first five years coincided with the life of the Brooklyn Store; Items 18-20 are very Store-centric; Items 21-58 involve McSweeney's and Eggers' other ventures in print, including the McSweeney's precursor, Might magazine.
1.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(Brooklyn/Reykjavik), (McSweeney's), 1998-2003. The first twelve issues, plus variants, published during the literary journal's first five years. Includes:- Issue 1, "Gegenshein" (1998), signed (initialed) by Eggers in 2002. Also signed by Neal Pollack, Sarah Vowell and Rick Moody, and inscribed by John Hodgman. Near fine in wrappers.
- Issue 2, "Blues/Jazz Odyssey" or "Pollyanna's Bootless Errand" (1999), signed (initialed by) Eggers, with "Always." Also signed or inscribed by Jonathan Lethem, Neil Pollack, Sarah Vowell, Tim Carvell, Todd Pruzan, Amanda Davis, Sean Wilsey, Paul Collins, Lawrence Krauser, John Hodgman, Paul Maliszewski, Arthur Bradford and Colleen Werthman. Near fine in wrappers.
- Issue 3, "Windfall Republic" (1999), signed (initialed) by Eggers in 2002. Also signed by Jonathan Lethem, Rick Moody, Sarah Vowell, Judy Budnitz, Colleen Werthman, and Tom Tomorrow. Taped tear lower edge, else near fine in wrappers.
- Issue 4, "Trying, Trying, Trying, Trying, Trying" (2000). Published as an assortment of individual booklets and illustrated cardstock box. Signed (initialed) by Eggers in the back of "Notes and Background." Also signed by George Saunders, Jonathan Lethem, Rick Moody, Sarah Vowell, and Lawrence Weschler. Contents fine; tiny tear on box tab.
- Issue 5, (2000). The first hardcover edition of the publication, which was issued (as best we can tell) in three variant bindings and four variant dust jackets. Listed in no significant order: A) the Ted Koppel binding and the blank white front cover dust jacket; B) the anatomical arm plus text binding, in both the anatomical arm dust jacket and the "simple red cover" jacket; C) the "Susan Minot's Outtakes" binding in the head lesion dust jacket, onto which Eggers has drawn eyeglasses and initialed the jacket in 2001; this copy of the book is initialed by Eggers, with "yes" and signed by Susan Minot (on the spine), and signed or inscribed by Lydia Davis, Neal Pollack, Paul Collins, Ben Greenman, Lawrence Weschler, Paul LaFarge, Ben Marcus, Ann Cummins, Sarah Vowell, Colleen Werthman, and Joshua Bearman. The first variant is bumped at the lower edge, otherwise the three are fine in near fine or better dust jackets.
- Issue 6, "Timothy McSweeney's Very Intense Heated Passionate Battle/Embrace with They Might Be Giants," (2001). Hardcover, issued with a CD by They Might Be Giants. Two variant bindings, only one of which is included here, the one reading "We Now Know Who" (the other read "Find Them and Convince Them"). Initialed by Eggers with a drawing of a creature and the caption, "He started out fine"; adjacently signed by Zadie Smith who has added, "He was never fine." Also signed or inscribed by Lydia Davis, Breyten Breytenbach, Sean Wilsey, Ann Cummins, Samantha Hunt, Arthur Bradford, Sheila Heti, Judi Budnitz, Lawrence Weschler, and John Linnell and John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants. Fine, without dust jacket, as issued.
- Issue 7, (2001). Nine separate booklets laid into a binding and bound with the publisher's rubber band. Signed by Eggers ("D. Eggers") and Michael Chabon on the front cover. Signed or inscribed in their booklets by Chabon, Kevin Brockmeier, Ann Cummins, Heidi Julavits and cover artists Elizabeth Kairys and Sharon Leong. Fine.
- Issue 8, (2002). Signed by Eggers in 2002. Also signed by Lynne Tillman, James Wagner, Lawrence Weschler, Rachel Cohen, Joshuah Bearman, and Darin Strauss. Fine, without dust jacket, as issued.
- Issue 9, "We Feel This One Is More Urgent," (2002). Gratefully inscribed by Eggers in 2002. Also signed by Val Vinokurov and initialed by Joe Pacheco. Fine in wrappers.
- Issue 10, "McSweeney's Mammoth Treasury of Thrilling Tales," (2002). Signed by guest editor Michael Chabon and also by Sherman Alexie, Elmore Leonard, Nick Hornby, Harlan Ellison, and Jim Shepard, and initialed by Joe Pacheco. Elmore Leonard has changed the title of his story to "Showdown at Checotah." Fine in wrappers. Later published by Vintage Books, in 2003.
- Issue 11, "It Can Be Free," (2003). Issued in four different colors of faux leather, this is the black variant. Inscribed by Eggers: ___/ Your help & genius is appreciated hugely. Also, here is Neptune [drawing of Neptune]. D. Eggers." Also signed by Dow Mossman, and by Mark Moskowitz on the included DVD, and initialed by Joe Pacheco. Fine.
- Issue 12, "Unpublished, Unknown, &/or Unbelievable," (2003). Signed by Shann Ray, Salvador Plascencia, Peter Orner, and Ben Ehrenreich. Fine in wrappers.
2.
(McSweeney's)
(Brooklyn), (McSweeney's), 1998. The first volume of Dave Eggers' literary journal, which reportedly included only materials that had already been rejected by other publications. This copy is signed by Eggers ("Thank you/ D.E."), David Foster Wallace (on the dedication page), Rick Moody, Neal Pollack, Sarah Vowell, Arthur Bradford, and Todd Pruzan. McSweeney's went on to be one of the most influential publishing companies of the first decade of the 21st century: in addition to publishing the journal McSweeney's, with its innovative formats and content, it became a book publisher, introducing new writers and publishing new work by a number of already well-regarded writers. Light use; near fine in wrappers. Extremely scarce signed by all these writers.
[#032944]
SOLD
3.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(Brooklyn), (McSweeney's), 1999. The second issue of the journal, also known as Pollyanna's Bootless Errand or McSweeney's #2 (Late Winter/Early Spring, 1999). Includes work by Eggers, Jonathan Lethem, David Shields, Neal Pollack, Sarah Vowell, Amanda Davis, Heidi Julavits, John Hodgman, and others. Signed by Todd Pruzan, in 2003. Fine in wrappers.
[#032945]
SOLD
4.
(McSweeney's)
(Brooklyn), (McSweeney's), (1999). The third issue of the journal, which deliberately set out to flout the conventions of traditional literary journals, among its other pursuits. This issue includes a long essay on the copyright page, a short short story on the spine by David Foster Wallace, three fold-out illustrations to the printed pieces, and other divergences from literary and journalistic norms. This copy is signed by Eggers, David Foster Wallace (on the spine), Jonathan Lethem, Rick Moody, Sarah Vowell, Judy Budnitz, Arthur Bradford, Colleen Werthmann, Paul Collins, Paul Maliszewski, and Lawrence Wechsler. Light use; near fine in wrappers. Again, a rarity with all these signatures, particularly Wallace's; perhaps unique -- at the least we've seen no other such copy.
[#032946]
SOLD
5.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, 2000. Individually bound works laid into the publisher's folding pictorial box. Signed by Eggers on the front of the box. Additionally signed or inscribed by George Saunders, Haruki Murakami, Jonathan Lethem, Rick Moody, Lydia Davis, Lawrence Weschler, Sheila Heti, Paul Maliszewski, Paul Collins, Rachel Cohen, Sarah Vowell, Arthur Bradford, Gabe Hudson, and Amy Fusselman. Fine.
[#032947]
SOLD
6.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, 2000. Individually bound works laid into the publisher's folding pictorial box. Fine. Still shrink-wrapped, albeit opened on one side. McSweeney's later brought this issue back into print, with a stronger box; their website calls it "arguably our best issue ever" (and now lists it as "Out of Stock").
[#032948]
SOLD
7.
EGGERS, Dave
(n.p.), McSweeney's, (2000). A painting of a wolf by Eggers, executed on the previously blank dust jacket of Timothy McSweeney's Issue No. 5. Signed (initialed) by Eggers. With an additional drawing by Eggers on the front flyleaf, of a scarf, which is captioned "I hate this guy." Eggers, known for his memoir A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, his novels and nonfiction works with themes of social justice, his founding of the McSweeney's empire, and his nonprofit work with childhood education, has at various junctures also been a painter, a cartoonist, or an illustrator. He often pairs animals with simple, or Biblical, text: in 2010 he published a collection of these entitled It is Right to Draw Their Fur. Issue No. 5 was the first hardcover issue of Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, and it was issued in three variant bindings and four variant dust jackets. This is the Ted Koppel binding with the previously blank white front. In addition to Eggers' artistic contributions, it is signed by Susan Minot, Ben Marcus, Ben Greenman, Sarah Vowell, and Paul LaFarge. Tiny lower board nick, else fine in a very near fine dust jacket.
[#032949]
SOLD
8.
EGGERS, Dave
(n.p.), McSweeney's, (2000). A drawing by Eggers of a broken bird-like creature, executed on the previously blank dust jacket of Timothy McSweeney's Issue No. 5. Signed (initialed) by Eggers. Additionally initialed by Eggers in 2001 and signed by Lydia Davis, Susan Minot, Ben Greenman, Lawrence Weschler, Paul LaFarge, Ann Cummins, and Sarah Vowell Issue No. 5 was the first hardcover issue of Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, and it was issued in three variant bindings and four variant dust jackets. This is the Ted Koppel binding with the previously blank white front. One tiny corner tap, else fine in a very near fine dust jacket.
[#032950]
$1,000On Sale: $700
9.
EGGERS, Dave
(n.p.), McSweeney's, (2000). An ink drawing by Eggers of a malformed human, captioned "Things have changed since then, executed on the previously blank dust jacket of Timothy McSweeney's Issue No. 5. Signed (initialed) by Eggers. With an additional ink drawing by Eggers on the flyleaf, of an amoeba shape, captioned, "At one time they were all like this." Eggers has been selling his captioned paintings and prints of captioned animals to benefit ScholarMatch (which he also founded), an organization that funds college educations. Additionally signed by Ben Greenman. Issue No. 5 was the first hardcover issue of Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, and it was issued in three variant bindings and four variant dust jackets. This is the Ted Koppel binding with the previously blank white front. Two tiny spots to foredge and small lower board nicks; near fine in a very good, mildly dusty jacket with a couple of closed tears.
[#032951]
$850
10.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(n.p.), McSweeney's, (2000). The first hardcover edition of the publication, which was issued (as best we can tell) in three variant bindings and four variant dust jackets. This is the issue with the "Susan Minot's Outtakes" binding in the head lesion dust jacket. The jacket is signed (initialed) by Eggers in 2001. Together with an uncut signature (32 printed pages on one folded broadsheet) from the book: this has been signed by Lawrence Weschler, with a drawing at his contribution and also signed by Joshua Bearman at his contribution. Bearman has added, "This is exciting to sign!" and, pointing to a fish-like drawing under his piece's title, "I never figured out what this is." The book is fine in a fine dusk jacket; the uncut signature has a sticker shadow on the front and a few small tears at the corner folds; near fine.
[#032952]
SOLD
11.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(n.p.), McSweeney's, (2001). The sixth issue. Hardcover, issued with a CD by They Might Be Giants. Published in two variant bindings, this being the one reading "We Now Know Who" (the other read "Find Them and Convince Them"). With an initialed ink and crayon drawing of a strawberry, by Dave Eggers, on the first blank. Fine, without dust jacket, as issued.
[#032953]
SOLD
12.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(n.p.), McSweeney's, (2001). The sixth issue. Hardcover, issued with a CD by They Might Be Giants. Published in two variant bindings, this being the one reading "We Now Know Who" (the other read "Find Them and Convince Them"). Initialed by Dave Eggers. Signed by Lydia Davis, Judy Budnitz, Ann Cummins, Arthur Bradford, and Breyten Breytenbach. Signed by Zadie Smith at her story of lesbian emotional devastation, "The Girl with the Bangs," with the added message: "Hello. This story was co-authored with the snail at the bottom of the page." At the bottom of the page, Smith has drawn a snail, named "Marvin." Two small, faint spots to the front cover, else fine, without dust jacket, as issued.
[#032954]
SOLD
13.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(Reykjavik), McSweeney's, (2001). Nine separate booklets laid into a binding and bound with the publisher's rubber band. Signed by Eggers in 2002 on the rear cover. Also signed by "J.T. Leroy," Michael Chabon, A.M. Homes, Ann Cummins, Heidi Julavits, artist Elizabeth Kairys, and by Kevin Brockmeir, who has added a Tolstoy quote. Small smudge front board, else fine.
[#032955]
SOLD
14.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(Reykjavik), McSweeney's, (2001). Nine separate booklets laid into a binding. Flawed copy, with a duplicate Kevin Brockmeir booklet and no J.T. Leroy booklet. Inscribed by Dave Eggers on the rear cover. Also signed by Ann Cummins and by artist Elizabeth Kairys. Near fine (minus the one booklet), and also lacking the publisher's rubber band.
[#032956]
SOLD
15.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(Reykjavik), McSweeney's, (2002). Inscribed by Gabe Hudson and Pal Maliszewski. Fine, without dust jacket, as issued.
[#032957]
SOLD
16.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(Reykjavik), McSweeney's, (2005). Includes work by Denis Johnson, Ann Beattie, Roddy Doyle, Harry Mathews, Robert Coover, Brian Evenson, and others. Casebound assortment of items, including a comb. Fine, still shrink-wrapped.
[#032958]
SOLD
17.
(McSweeney's Quarterly Concern)
(Brooklyn), (McSweeney's), (various dates). Includes: a prepublication postcard announcement of the upcoming literary journal, addressed, stamped and mailed; three different subscription solicitations to Might magazine, the precursor to Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, in postcard form; a "Just Fred" album release sticker by Fred Schneider (who worked with Esther Bell, who made a short film about One Ring Zero); a Welcome letter, ca. 1998, with questions and answers, and an announcement of their website, among other things; the "Notes and Backgrounds" pamphlet from Issue #4; two copies of the red dust jacket from Issue #5; one copy of the Issue #5 severed arm jacket; and three copies of the Issue #5 head lesion dust jacket, each of these was arbitrarily priced at the McSweeney's Store. All items fine.
[#032959]
SOLD
18.
(McSweeney's Store)
Brooklyn, ca. 1999-2003. Artifacts and photos from McSweeney's first retail storefront, called "Store," in Brooklyn, NY, ca. 1999-2003. Assembled by Joe Pacheco, the unofficial "house photographer." Including:- four black & white photos: one showing interior construction, one showing external yard during construction, and two that together show the front door and window display
- four large (13" x 19") color photos, showing the inner shelving/cubical displays of odd objects carried by the Store
- an uncut proof of a display sign stating, "Policy: wipe feet thoroughly and do not slouch. No thumping!"
- an uncut proof of a display sign stating, "If you would like to use gloves when touching, ask an employee." Gloves are included.
- an uncut proof of a display sign stating, simply, "How should we know?"
- a photocopied Store flyer offering "Light-Shadow Therapy" via email: "Email us your worries, we'll email you the cure!"
- two Store paper bags (one folded, one with a small edge tear), featuring the name of the store, "Store," along with a pair of shoes tied together, and a crab.
19.
(McSweeney's Store)
ca. 1999-2003. Photographs, taken by the Store's "house photographer" Joe Pacheco, of the people who brought their voices and talents to the Brooklyn Store. All but one are black and white images, all on 8-1/2" x 11" paper, the majority on photo stock; some are marked artist's proofs; many are captioned in type; a few are signed by Pacheco (none is signed by its subject). The inventory of subjects is as follows: Jonathan Ames (2 copies, one captioned); David Byrne (3 images); Clay McLeod Chapman (marked); Stephen Dixon (2 copies, one captioned); Marcel Dzama (2 images, 2 copies of one, one of those marked and captioned, the unique image is a signed proof); Dave Eggers with Roddy Doyle; Dave Eggers with Roddy Doyle and Nick Hornby (2 copies, one captioned); Dave Eggers with Roddy Doyle, Heidi Julavits, and Jonathan Safran Foer (2 copies, one signed and captioned proof); Amy Fusselman (signed); Jonathan Franzen (2 copies, one marked); Mary Gaitskill (2 copies, one captioned, one marked); Myla Goldberg; Kim Gordon; John Hodgman with an unidentified banjo player (2 images); Rick Moody (2 images, one color); Thurston Moore (2 copies, one captioned, one a signed proof; Alex Melamid (2 copies, one captioned); Joyce Carol Oates (2 copies, one captioned, one marked); Darin Strauss; William Vollmann (3 images, 4 copies of one: one image with Sarah Vowell, one (marked) with an unidentified man, and 4 copies of Vollmann at a podium, one of those captioned, one marked, and one a signed proof); five unidentified photos (four of individual men at a microphone; one of three women and a man on a panel). In all, approximately 45 photographs and more than 30 unique images of more than 30 people involved in the experience that was the McSweeney's Brooklyn Store. All items fine.
[#032961]
SOLD
20.
(McSweeney's Store)
[2005]. Three broadsheets showing the development of advertising material for the documentary by Joe Pacheco about One Ring Zero, the "house band" for the McSweeney's Store in Brooklyn and their collaborations with McSweeney's roster of authors. Readings at the store would be accompanied by One Ring Zero; the band solicited lyrics from the authors and created an album of the resulting songs -- "As Smart as We Are"; and Pacheco made a movie about the process, and created the advertising for a benefit screening. Included here: a 13" x 19" color photo by Pacheco of the postal shelving used by the store, with one odd object per cubbyhole; a second 13" x 19" poster replacing some of those objects with authors and the band One Ring Zero; and a third, finished poster, 11" x 17", replacing some of those authors with text advertising the benefit screening (at 826NYC, as the Store had closed by 2005). Fine.
[#032962]
$375
21.
(Anthology)
(London), Penguin, (2000). Twelve new stories, by twelve writers, published as a benefit for TreeHouse, an organization dedicated to the education of autistic children. Edited by Nick Hornby. Not a McSweeney's publication, but a cause McSweeney's later supported via the publication of Hornby's Polysyllabic Spree, and featuring work by "McSweeney's" authors, including Dave Eggers. This copy is signed by Nick Hornby, Irvine Welsh, and Zadie Smith. Pages toned, else fine in wrappers.
[#032964]
SOLD
22.
(Anthology)
NY, Vintage Books, (2003). Previously published, in slightly different form, as issue #10 of McSweeney's Quarterly. Edited by Michael Chabon and including stories by Dave Eggers, Elmore Leonard, Nick Hornby, Rick Moody, Chris Offutt, Stephen King, Michael Crichton, Sherman Alexie and others -- the purpose of the anthology being in part, according to Chabon's introduction, to remove the line separating mainstream writing from ghettoized genre writing, and to restore an appreciation of the short story as being the form most suitable to the moment of epiphany that defines great literature. This copy is signed by Michael Chabon, Dave Eggers (twice), Nick Hornby, Aimee Bender (twice), and Glen David Gold. Age-toning to pages, else fine in wrappers.
[#032963]
SOLD
23.
(Anthology)
NY, Vintage Books, (2003). The uncorrected proof copy of the Vintage edition (previously published, in slightly different form, as issue #10 of McSweeney's Quarterly). Signed by contributor Nick Hornby. Slight splaying to cover, else fine in wrappers, with a "Vintage Books Original" sticker.
[#032965]
SOLD
24.
(Anthology)
NY, Vintage Books, (2003). The uncorrected proof copy of the Vintage edition (previously published, in slightly different form, as issue #10 of McSweeney's Quarterly). Signed by editor Michael Chabon and contributors Sherman Alexie, Harlan Ellison, Jim Shepard, and by Elmore Leonard, who has changed the title of his story to "Showdown at Checotah." Slight splaying to cover, else fine in wrappers.
[#032966]
SOLD
25.
BYRNE, David
(Brooklyn), (McSweeney's), (2001). A bilingual edition of Byrne's examination of sins that are commonly considered virtues, such as charity, hope, honesty, beauty, and cleanliness. First released via anonymous placement in hotel rooms. Signed by the author. Fine, without dust jacket, as issued. With wraparound band.
[#032967]
SOLD
26.
BYRNE, David and EGGERS, Dave
(Brooklyn), (McSweeney's), (2001). A bilingual edition of Byrne's examination of sins that are commonly considered virtues, such as charity, hope, honesty, beauty, and cleanliness. First released via anonymous placement in hotel rooms. Not signed by Byrne, but signed "David Byrne" by Dave Eggers. Fine, without dust jacket, as issued. Without the wraparound band. Possibly unique.
[#032968]
SOLD
27.
COLLINS, Paul
(n.p.), McSweeney's, [2002]. A new edition, edited by Collins and with an introduction by him, of this 1855 book by Da Fonseca and Carolina, which attempted to be a Portuguese-English guidebook, by way of a Portuguese-French dictionary and a French-English dictionary. Signed by Collins. Fine, without dust jacket, as issued.
[#032969]
SOLD
28.
DAVIS, Lydia
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2001). Stories. Inscribed by the author: "For my boring friend, Lydia Davis." (The boring friend is unnamed.) In addition to being a MacArthur Fellow, Davis has been a finalist for the National Book Award, and in 2013 she won the Man Booker International Prize. Fine in a fine, first state (before the MacArthur Award sticker) dust jacket, with cover photograph by David Byrne, and signed by Byrne on the rear flap of the dust jacket, near his photo credit.
[#032970]
SOLD
29.
DAVIS, Lydia
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2001). Two advance states of this collection of stories: unbound photocopied galleys, 201 sheets, 8-1/2" x 11", printed on rectos only, fine but for a near fine cover sheet; and velobound 8-1/2" x 11" sheets, now including the cover art by David Byrne, fine.
[#032971]
SOLD
30.
DAVIS, Lydia and BYRNE, David
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2001). Two advance copies of this collection of stories: one advance copy in the form of velobound 8-1/2" x 11" sheets, printed on rectos only. Signed on the front cover by Davis and also signed by David Byrne, who provided the front cover photo. Fine. Together with a copy of the first edition signed by Davis on the title page as well as on the half title, where she has added "with trumpets" and "9-24-01," the week prior to publication. Fine in a fine, first state dust jacket that is signed by David Byrne on the rear flap above his photo credit. Davis has been a MacArthur Fellow; a finalist for the National Book Award; and in 2013 she won the Man Booker International Prize. Byrne, the polymath founder and lead singer of the band Talking Heads, has won an Oscar, a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; his career has included film, photography, fiction and nonfiction, in addition to music.
[#032972]
SOLD
31.
DIXON, Stephen
(San Francisco/Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2002). Three items: the first edition, a 339-page photocopied typescript, and a 4-page promotional handout. The book is signed by both Dixon and by Daniel Clowes, who provided the cover art. Fine, without dust jacket, as issued. The sheets are punched along the left margin, as though for velobinding. Printed on rectos only; fine.
[#032973]
SOLD
32.
DIXON, Stephen
(San Francisco/Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2002). Two items: the first edition and the 339 page photocopied typescript. The book is inscribed by the author, with thanks, in the year of publication. Fine, without dust jacket, as issued. The sheets are also signed by Dixon. Unbound, printed on rectos only.
[#032974]
SOLD
33.
DZAMA, Marcel
(Santa Monica), Smart Art Press, (1998). The first appearance in print for the artist who, among his other successes, would become the "house artist" for the first McSweeney's store, in Brooklyn. Near fine in stapled wrappers.
[#032975]
$150
34.
DZAMA, Marcel
(n.p.), (McSweeney's), (2006). A fundraiser for 826NYC, a part of the McSweeney's empire offering tutoring and writing workshops to kids inside a Superhero Supply Store in Brooklyn. Thirty-two 9" x 13" reproductions of drawings by Dzama, in a cardstock folder on which is printed an introduction by Sarah Vowell and an interview with Dzama by Vowell. Issued together with a facsimile of one of Dzama's spiral notebooks, filled with text and art. Fine.
[#032976]
SOLD
35.
DZAMA, Marcel
(n.p.), (McSweeney's), (2006). A fundraiser for 826NYC. Thirty-two 9" x 13" reproductions of drawings by Dzama, in a cardstock folder on which is printed an introduction by Sarah Vowell and an interview with Dzama by Vowell. Issued together with a facsimile of one of Dzama's spiral notebooks, filled with text and art. Still shrink-wrapped. Fine.
[#032977]
$150
36.
EGGERS, Dave
NY, Simon & Schuster, (2000). His first book, if not a heartbreaking work of staggering genius, then at the very least an affecting work of uncommon brilliance, about raising his younger brother after the death of both parents, just weeks apart. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Together with a 1999 issue of The New Yorker (Oct 18/25), with Eggers' essay "The Orphans are Coming!," which shares the plot, and the tone, of the forthcoming book.
[#032978]
SOLD
37.
EGGERS, Dave
(San Francisco/Brooklyn), (McSweeney's), (2002). His second book and first novel, and the first of his books to be published by his own McSweeney's press. This is the true first, one of the 10,000 copies that state "First Edition" and were offered for sale only at the McSweeney's website. There were an additional 40,000 copies of the "first trade edition," which did not state "First Edition" and were offered for sale in bookstores chosen by Eggers. Fine without dust jacket, as issued. Together with a fine copy of a 2002 advance excerpt from the book in The New Yorker, entitled "Where We Were," with textual differences from the published version.
[#032979]
SOLD
38.
EGGERS, Dave
(San Francisco/Brooklyn), (McSweeney's), (2002). His second book and first novel, and the first of his books to be published by his own McSweeney's press. This is the true first, one of the 10,000 copies that state "First Edition" and were offered for sale only at the McSweeney's website. There were an additional 40,000 copies of the "first trade edition," which did not state "First Edition" and were offered for sale in bookstores chosen by Eggers. Fine without dust jacket, as issued. Together with a very good copy of a 2002 advance excerpt from the book in The New Yorker, entitled "Where We Were," with textual differences from the published version.
[#032980]
SOLD
39.
EGGERS, Dave
(San Francisco/Brooklyn), (McSweeney's), (2002). His second book and first novel, and the first of his books to be published by his own McSweeney's press. This is the true first, one of the 10,000 copies that state "First Edition" and were offered for sale only at the McSweeney's website. There were an additional 40,000 copies of the "first trade edition," which did not state "First Edition" and were offered for sale in bookstores chosen by Eggers. Slight loss of gilt to spine logo, else fine without dust jacket, as issued. Together with a very good copy of the Time magazine issue in which the novel was reviewed.
[#032981]
SOLD
40.
EGGERS, Dave as "THOMAS, Lucy"
(n.p.), McSweeney's, (2003). A pseudonymous collection of short pieces, complete with a fictional author biography and a list of "Future books by this author," parodying the format of conventional book publication. Illustrated by Carlos de la Naranja. Faint stray smudges; near fine in wrappers.
[#032982]
SOLD
41.
EGGERS, Dave
(San Francisco), (McSweeney's), (2006). The advance reading copy of this highly praised "nonfiction novel" based on the life story of Deng, one of the Sudanese "Lost Boys," as told to Eggers. With different cover art from the published book and with blurbs by Khaled Hosseini, Philip Gourevitch and John Prendergast on the rear panel. Uncommon in advance form. McSweeney's is a small press, with little in the way of marketing dollars: its best advertising tends to be the buzz created by its publications, and this book exemplified the process, reaching #25 on The New York Times bestseller list without the benefit of promotional clout. This is the only copy we have handled or seen. Slight splaying to covers and a bit of shelf dirt to the lower edge; else fine in wrappers.
[#027358]
SOLD
42.
EGGERS, Dave
(San Francisco), (McSweeney's), (2009). A novel based on Eggers' and Spike Jonze's screenplay for Where the Wild Things Are, which was based on Maurice Sendak's classic children's book. This is the silhouette issue (there was also a fur issue). Signed by Eggers. Misprinted spine: lettering runs up rather than down the spine; else fine, without dust jacket, as issued.
[#028213]
SOLD
43.
EGGERS, Dave
(NY/San Francisco), Knopf/McSweeney's, 2013. The uncorrected proof copy of Eggers' novel about the dark side of the internet and a 21st century company modeled on several of the current internet giants. Eggers co-wrote the screenplay for the 2017 film version, starring Emma Watson and Tom Hanks. Not a common proof, especially compared to the 200,000 announced first printing, but not as scarce as McSweeney's proofs done without the backing of Knopf. Fine in printed white wrappers, with the cover art bound in.
[#030716]
SOLD
44.
FUSSELMAN, Amy
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2001). Both the first edition and an advance copy in the form of tapebound 8-1/2" x 11" sheets, which are printed on rectos only. The book is signed by the author, with an additional "Thank you!" Fine in a fine dust jacket, which has artwork by Marcel Dzama. The advance issue is mispaginated but fine in cardstock covers.
[#032983]
SOLD
45.
GREENMAN, Ben
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2001). Four items: the first edition, signed by the author in January 2002, and three sets of advance sheets, representing two different states. First, a velobound set of 8-1/2" x 11" galley sheets, dated 8/21/01, with copyeditor's corrections, signed by the author at a later date with "looks familiar." Second, an unbound black and white photocopy of the same; and third, a velobound set of sheets dated 8/30/01 with the corrections from 8/21. The advance copies are fine; the book is fine in a fine dust jacket.
[#032984]
SOLD
46.
HETI, Sheila
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2002). The first American edition. Inscribed by the author in the year of publication. Heti has also added a drawing of a house around the MCSweeney's chair logo. Small corner crease rear cover, else fine in wrappers. Erratum slip laid in.
[#032985]
SOLD
47.
HORNBY, Nick
(San Francisco), (McSweeney's), (2002). Essays by Hornby about music and songs that have been important to him, illustrated by Marcel Dzama. Inscribed by the author. Fine, without dust jacket, as issued, with a CD bound in that has 11 of the songs mentioned.
[#032986]
SOLD
48.
HORNBY, Nick
(San Francisco), Believer Books, (2004). A collection of Hornby's essays from McSweeney's Believer magazine, about the books he bought and the books he read during a fourteen-month period. Inscribed by the author. Published to benefit 826NYC and TreeHouse. Fine in self-wrappers.
[#032987]
SOLD
49.
KRAUSER, Lawrence
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2000). A collection of 11 items related to the playwright's first novel, as follows: two velobound proofs, one printed on rectos only, one double-sided and signed by Krauser; one copy of the book, unsigned, and with eight copies of the dust jacket (2 folded, 6 flat), each uniquely illustrated, annotated, and/or signed by Krauser (as was the entire print run). The eight annotated and illustrated jackets included here tell a bit of a story: the first one (dated 10/9/00 and labeled #1) features a regal character with a flag; the next five are dated 10/10 and are created on the flight from Reykjavik, Iceland (where the book was being printed and bound), during which Krauser has apparently noticed glaring errors in his proofs. One jacket reads: "Is it possible that my anxiety re THESE THOSE F*CKING TYPOES HOW COULD I MISS THEM is causing turbulence in this plane, to this plane, now? [to believe that would constitute or imply psychosis]...Hell in the Heavens." Next, a self portrait with: "If this plane crashes, the typos in my book won't seem as horrible." And then, a more wavering portrait with, "doodling seems to help - how?- me feel better about the typos TOO MANY TOO MANY OUCH!!! ALL MY MEGALOFAULT." There then follow two more doodled jackets from the same day, one is a bit of a carnival abstract, one is more of an inhabited landscape. Two more doodled proof jackets are wrapped around the book, one dated in November and one in December; the December one is a scrawl but bears the title; the November one seems more equanimous. The six flat jackets are all identified by the author as "printer's proofs" and have the publisher's trim markings and color guide present, and all are signed by Krauser. The two folded jackets are wrapped around the book and have the author's individual designs and dates but no signatures. All elements are fine. Needless to say, unique.
[#032988]
SOLD
50.
KRAUSER, Lawrence
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2000). A velobound proof of the playwright's first novel. signed by the author. Double-sided 8-1/2 x 11" sheets. Faint spots to title page, else fine.
[#032989]
SOLD
51.
LETHEM, Jonathan
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2001). A single piece of short fiction (55 pp.), signed by the author. Fine in a fine dust jacket signed on the rear flap by Chester Brown, who provided the dust jacket artwork.
[#032990]
SOLD
52.
(Might magazine)
(San Francisco), (Gigantic Publishing), (1994-1997). Eleven of the first 16 issues of Dave Eggers' first foray into periodicals. Sold as a set, after the fact, in the Brooklyn Store, with an included serious/humorous fact sheet entitled "Rules for Buyers of These Old Magazines" and a set of latex gloves for handling. Among other things, the buyer of a set was instructed to write a check to The Fresh Air Fund, a New York charity that brings low-income urban children to outdoor experiences in the country. This seems to have been the first McSweeney's effort to have its literary publishing venture also serve an activist, socially conscious purpose; later the 826 Valencia and 826NYC literacy efforts extended and amplified this impulse. Issues of Might are quite uncommon now, and runs of the magazine are extremely scarce. The Might magazines, the rules and the gloves are fine, in a large and worn ziplock bag.
[#032991]
SOLD
53.
(Might magazine)
(San Francisco), (Gigantic Publishing), (1994-1997). Eleven of the first 16 issues of Dave Eggers' first foray into periodicals, prior to launching Timothy McSweeney's Quarterly Concern. These back issues were sold as a set, from McSweeney's first Brooklyn store, called "Store," with an included serious/humorous fact sheet entitled "Rules for Buyers of These Old Magazines." Among other things, the buyer of a set was instructed to write a check to The Fresh Air Fund, a New York charity that brings low-income urban children to outdoor experiences in the country. This seems to have been the first McSweeney's effort to have its literary publishing venture also serve an activist, socially conscious purpose; later the 826 Valencia and 826NYC literacy efforts extended and amplified this impulse. Issues of Might are uncommon now, and runs of the magazine are extremely scarce. The magazines and the rules are fine; the ziplock bag is tattered.
[#032992]
SOLD
54.
(Might magazine)
NY, Berkley Boulevard Books, (1998). 32 essays from Eggers' Might magazine, which preceded McSweeney's. Includes David Foster Wallace's "Hail the Returning Dragon, Clothed in New Fire," and a foreword, apparently by Eggers, that explains why the magazine folded in 1997, in part, because they had a rule that they had to like the things they printed, which precluded "articles about celebrities, clothes, electronics, makeup, cars, video games, beer, night life generally, and shoes." Signed (initialed) by Eggers at his essay "Never Fucked Anyone." Also signed by Donnell Alexander. Age-toned pages, thus near fine in wrappers.
[#032993]
SOLD
55.
POLLACK, Neal
(Brooklyn), McSweeney's, (2000). Signed by the author. Fine in a fine dust jacket. Together with a preview edition, on CD, of the 2002 Perennial/HarperCollins paperback edition. Includes five audio tracks (if one can trust anything about the sleeve copy, which also features a 1965 blurb by Allen Ginsberg about Pollack, who was born in 1970, and numerous other, shall we call them, "alternative facts" about the author). And also together with a promotional postcard for the 2002 edition: "Neil Pollack is a Sellout," and announcing the book is coming in March, "from Neil Pollack's New Corporate Masters." All items fine.
[#032994]
SOLD
56.
(RBS Gazette)
NY, Komar & Melamid, 2001. The first issue of the satirical newspaper "published every 55 days by the Rubber Band Society" and the brainchild of conceptual artists Vitaly Komar and Alexander Melamid, with inspiration from Maira Kalman. Sold at the McSweeney's Store, and with work by Alex Melamid, Amy Fusselman, Ian Frazier, Lawrence Weschler, Jamaica Kincaid, Art Spiegelman, and others. The lead headline is "10,000 Dead at Heraclea" and recounts King Pyrrhus' invasion of Italy in 280 B.C. Tabloid, folded, fine, with publisher's envelope. Scarce; it is unknown whether there were any additional issues.
[#032995]
SOLD
57.
(SEDARIS, David)
NY, Simon & Schuster, (2005). The uncorrected proof copy of this anthology, edited and introduced by Sedaris, and published, not by McSweeney's, but as a benefit for 826NYC. Authors include Alice Munro, Richard Yates, Jhumpa Lahiri, Patricia Highsmith, Lorrie Moore, Dorothy Parker, Joyce Carol Oates, Flannery O'Connor, Amy Hempel, Jincy Willett, Charles Baxter and others. Front corner crease, else fine in wrappers.
[#032996]
SOLD
58.
VOLLMANN, William
San Francisco, McSweeney's, 2003. The full seven volume set of Vollmann's treatise on violence. Signed by Vollmann in all volumes but Volume VI, "The Muslim World," the final volume of the set: the volumes are numbered MC (for the "Moral Calculus") and then I - VI. Fine books, in one large slipcase: the paper lining inside the slipcase is torn, but the slipcase is fine. Not issued as a signed set: rare with multiple signatures, and fine. More than 3200 pages in all; extra postage may apply.
[#032997]
SOLD
For notifications of our sale lists, new arrivals, new catalogs, or other e-lists, subscribe to our email list:
