E-list # 175

Garden City, Doubleday, 1980. The first American edition. A history of natural history in the 19th century, largely pre-Darwin. Heavily illustrated. Foxing to edges of the text block; near fine in a very good, lightly edgeworn dust jacket. A common book, but a useful reference. [#034437] $25

(Somerville), Candlewick Press, (2017). The advance reading copy of Bartok's Dickensian, steampunk middle grade fantasy about orphaned "groundlings," which even before publication was slated to be both a movie and a Broadway musical. Signed by the author. Textual differences exist between this advance copy and the finished book. Light tap to spine crown, else fine in wrappers. Bartok won the National Book Critics Circle Award for her memoir The Memory Palace. Uncommon as an advance copy, and especially so signed. [#034438] $150

NY, NY: Burt/Blue Ribbon, 1935/[1937?]. Originally the sixth title in the Beverly Gray mystery series, this title was dropped from the series and not reprinted after 1938, when preparations for the New York World's Fair made this title, set at the Chicago World 's Fair, seem dated. Owner name (from 1937) on the title page and the front flyleaf; two page corners missing chips. A good copy, lacking the dust jacket. First published by Burt: published by Blue Ribbon beginning in 1937, so although dated 1935, with no further titles listed and with "Burt:" on the spine, this is apparently a later printing. [#034439] SOLD

Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 1980. Inscribed by Brooks, Rachel Carson's editor and biographer (as well as being a John Burroughs Medal winner), to Shirley Ann Briggs, naturalist and environmentalist and also the photographer responsible for many iconic photos of her friend Rachel Carson, including that on the dust jacket of Silent Spring: "For Shirley, with warmest regards/ from Paul." With Briggs' bookplate on the verso of the front flyleaf. The book provides a wonderful overview of those for whom "the chief weapon [in the] fight to protect the American environment over the past century has been the pen." [Jacket copy.] Also includes a nice bibliography of the writers covered, to which Edwin Way Teale's date of death (1980) has been added in pen, presumably by Briggs. Foxing to the edges of the text block, a near fine copy in a good, somewhat faded and worn dust jacket, splitting at the folds. [#034440] SOLD

NY/Cambridge, Hurd and Houghton/Riverside Press, 1871. The second book by the prominent American literary naturalist and his first book in the field, his previous book being a self-published study of Walt Whitman. A near fine copy of the issue in brown boards (BAL binding A, no priority), with gilt-stamped cover and spine, and with the first chapter heading, "The Return of the Birds," misbound in the typical location of a half title. [#034441] SOLD

Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 1955. Carson's third book, a National Book Award finalist in 1956. Her previous book, The Sea Around Us, had won the 1952 National Book Award, and her next book after this one, Silent Spring in 1962, was perhaps the most influential single book of the 20th century in promoting environmental awareness and instigating a movement to protect the natural world, and not simply exploit it. Corner crease to front flyleaf, and mild darkening at the front joint; near fine in a very good dust jacket with light rubbing and edge wear and a thin tear at the front gutter. [#034442] SOLD

Charleston, The Parchment Gallery, (n.d.). A limited edition print of a Cummings' drawing, this being Copy No. 8 of 100 copies, likely printed on the occasion of a posthumous exhibit of Cummings' artwork, curated by William Plumley. An undated newspaper clipping about the show accompanies the piece, reprinted as a promotional flyer for the gallery holding the exhibition. According to the newspaper piece, this was the first show of Cummings' work after his artwork had been given to the Gotham Book Mart in 1968 for exhibition and sales purposes. In this image, Cummings is seated on a park bench, holding a single flower (tulip?). Printed in brown, on parchment, now sunned. 11" x 15", although the lower edge is chipped approximately 1/8". Additional small closed edge tears; overall about very good. This is the only limited edition print of a Cummings artwork we've encountered, and issued on a notable occasion -- the first posthumous showing of his artwork outside of the Gotham Book Mart's own gallery. [#034443] $300

NY, St. Martin's/Thomas Dunne, (2015). The 2017 John Burroughs Medal winner. A novel about a 14 year-old boy and a pine marten, set on Oregon's Mt. Hood. This was the first work of fiction to win the John Burroughs Medal in the approximately 90-year history since the award's inception in 1926. (In 1928, the award was given to a book of poetry.) In 2011, Doyle had won the John Burroughs Association's Essay Award for "The Creature Beyond the Mountains." This copy is inscribed by Doyle who died in May 2017, at the age of 60. Fine in a fine dust jacket. A notable landmark of nature writing, and a scarce book to find signed. [#034444] SOLD

(Amherst), Swamp Press, 1982. Copy No. 75 of 100 hardcover copies, signed by the author. This copy is a presentation copy, inscribed by the publisher/printer, Edward Stuart Rayher, "with thanks," on stationery laid in. Quarterbound in leather. Edge-sunned boards; near fine. An early publication by this small press, which is now also a type foundry. [#034445] $125

NY, Dutton, (1963). The first American edition of the posthumously published memoir of his two decades spent traveling in Central Asia around the turn of the 20th century in a quest for spiritual understanding and knowledge. Gurdjieff illuminates his insights by means of his portraits of the extraordinary individuals he encountered and who were his companions. This is one of the books that helped shape the metaphysical orientation of the 1960s counterculture and the New Age movements that followed it. Slight spine slant; near fine in a very good, spine-sunned dust jacket with modest edge wear and internal tape mends. [#034446] $100

NY, League of American Writers, [1941]. A three-paragraph statement by Hammett, part of a two-page mimeographed press release, written in his position as President of The League of American Writers and dated December 8 [1941], the day after Pearl Harbor. Hammett declares support for the U.S. declaration of war against Japan, and adds, "Our war is with the entire fascist Axis, not with one end of it. We therefore urge the immediate declaration of war against Germany and Italy and their satellites. Unwavering courage, a unified national will to win, and a complete understanding of the issues are needed. We call on all American writers to put their training, talent, and devotion to the service of our country." His call to action was published in New Masses on December 16, 1941, by which time the U.S. had already declared war on Germany and Italy. Hammett, a veteran of WWI, would re-enlist in the Army in 1942. A two-page press release, folded in thirds, with three annotations added by hand (date, suite number, alternate headline). Corner staple rusted; near fine. Other named officers include Theodore Dreiser, Erskine Caldwell, Meridel LeSueur, and Richard Wright. A little-known piece of writing by Hammett, who was both an accomplished mystery writer and screenwriter and also a committed political activist. [#034447] $350

1917. Novelist, short story writer, screenwriter, feminist and activist, Hurst often wrote about women's issues and race issues and worked for the rights of women, gays, immigrants and Jews. In 1915 she married pianist Jacques Danielson, kept the marriage a secret for five years, and continued to live separately from him throughout their 37-year marriage in order to maintain her independence. This autograph letter signed, written to her friend, mentor, and editor Robert H. Davis, discloses the marriage for the first time to someone other than her parents, the one friend in attendance at the wedding, and one person who found them out on their return. Hurst recounts all the times she failed to tell Davis, relays who else knows, confirms that Davis is "absolutely the first friend I'm voluntarily telling," and then explains, to the extent she is willing: "I shan't bore you with the complexities of self which prompted me to want it this way. We haven't any 'isms' about it. We slipped painlessly into it and thus far have succeeded in pretty well avoiding that wide rut of matrimony. The dust is still on the butterfly's wings! Of course it will leak out in time...." (It leaked out in 1920.) Hurst then goes on to ask for confidentiality and praise both her husband's understanding and their (her and Davis') friendship. Two full sides of a 7-1/2" x 12" page. Folded for mailing. Near fine. A feminist statement by the author of approximately 20 novels and 300 short stories, basis of approximately 30 Hollywood films. [#034448] SOLD

Boston, Yorick Books, (1969). Inscribed by Junkins: "For Andy & Carol/ with admiration, enthusiasm, wonderment, love and the whole shebang," and signed "Junk." Dated "3/70." Foreword by Robert Francis and woodcuts by Gillian Tyler. One of 1000 copies. Very near fine in wrappers. [#034449] $75

NY, Atheneum, 1975. Inscribed by Konigsburg to Frog and Toad author Arnold Lobel, "whose work I have long admired for its important wild element and whose person I came to admire in mid-March in Mississippi." Konigsburg was a two-time Newbery Medal winner, for From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler in 1967, and for The View from Saturday, 29 year later. Lobel, whose work includes numerous Newbery Honor books and a Caldecott Medal winner, was a speaker, along with Konigsburg, at the Children's Book Festival at the University of Southern Mississippi in March, 1976, the month of this inscription. The title of this book was later corrected to The Second Mrs. Gioconda, i.e., Mona Lisa. A wonderful association copy linking two writers in the pantheon of children's literature. Trace edge foxing; near fine in a very near fine dust jacket. [#034450] $300

NY, William Sloane, (1952). The 1954 John Burroughs Medal Winner. While working as theater critic for The Nation, Krutch published biographies of Samuel Johnson and Henry David Thoreau, the latter of which inspired him to write The Twelve Seasons, his first nature book. After his move to Tucson for his health in 1952, he became better known as a naturalist, conservationist and nature writer of the desert southwest, winning the John Burroughs Medal for this title; he would win the National Book Award for The Measure of Man the following year. Signed by the author on the second blank. Additionally, there is an aborted thank you note laid in, on the stationery of a Tuscon motel, that may or may not be in Krutch's hand. Minor rubbing to spine extremities; a near fine copy in a good dust jacket, with a couple small edge chips and one significant piece missing from the upper rear panel. Uncommon signed, or in jacket. [#034451] SOLD

San Francisco, Sierra Club Books, (1980). A history of women in the American wilderness, followed by profiles of fifteen women breaking barriers in the outdoors. LaBastille was a naturalist and the author of the Woodswoman series, which chronicled four decades of living in a Vermont cabin she built herself, inspired by Thoreau's Walden. Inscribed by LaBastille: "To Sue/ Happy trails always." While leading wilderness workshops, LaBastille had asked over 100 women to name their role models, and cumulatively received only 15 names. This book doubles that list, while pointing to the larger issue of the unacknowledged and the unremembered. Edge-sunned, with mild foxing to the edges of the text block; near fine in a near fine dust jacket. [#034452] SOLD

Sterling, Capital Books, (2002). Essays on water, and thalweg, by one of the first female river guides in California, Utah, Idaho and Arizona. Inscribed by the author in 2003. Jacket blurb by David James Duncan, author of The River Why, among others. Light tap to crown, else fine in a fine dust jacket. Uncommon, especially signed. [#034483] $125

Tulsa, Winchester Press, (1982). A practical guide for women interested in camping, hiking, backpacking, navigating, paddling, fishing, hunting, archery, etc., because "unlike boys, girls seldom absorb outdoor lore and skills when they are young. Some fortunate girls, especially if they grow up on farms, may be encouraged or at least permitted to join their fathers or brothers..." Inscribed by the author. With a foreword by Grits Gresham, host of The American Sportsman and author of, among others, the 1969 book The Sportsman and His Family Outdoors, a title whose obvious deficits this book aims to correct. Near fine in a very good dust jacket with several closed edge tears. An uncommon book, especially signed. [#034453] $100

NY, Knopf, 1994. The uncorrected proof copy of this collection of stories, the third in a trilogy that began with Desert Notes and River Notes. From the author's own library. Lopez does not, as a matter of principle, sign advance copies, but this proof comes with a typed note signed by Lopez attesting to the fact that it is from his personal library. This proof has textual differences from the published book. Fine in wrappers. [#034454] SOLD

NY, Knopf, 1998. The uncorrected proof copy, from the author's own library, of perhaps his most personal book. Essays on place and perspective, with the author's sense of engagement with the world reflected in the reasons he gives for foregoing photography for writing: "I don't want to stop and focus on a fixed image, which I'm inclined to do as a photographer. I want, instead, to see a sentence fragment scrawled in my notebook, smeared by rain." Lopez does not, as a matter of principle, sign advance copies, but this proof comes with a typed note signed by Lopez attesting to the fact that it is from his personal library. Fine in wrappers. [#034455] $200

NY, Knopf, 2000. The uncorrected proof copy of this collection of stories. From the author's own library. Lopez doesn't sign advance copies, but this proof comes with a typed note signed by the author attesting to the fact that it is from his personal library. Fine in wrappers. [#034456] $100

Hadley, Ken Lopez Bookseller, (1983-2009). More than 25 years of bookselling history, captured in a (mostly) complete run of the first 150 Modern Literature catalogs of Ken Lopez, Bookseller. Complete for Catalogs #30-#150, and also including earlier catalogs 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28 and 29. Catalogs up until #60 (except for 24 and 25 which are simply folded sheets) are side-stapled and most of these have mailing labels and are in used condition; catalogs 61-150 (with the exception of #114) are perfectbound and generally in fine condition. In addition to the numbered catalogs of Modern Literature, included are unnumbered specialty catalogs from the same period, featuring: author-specific catalogs (Philip K. Dick; Raymond Carver); Women Writers; a catalog of books-into-film; two catalogs of Uncorrected Proofs and Advance Copies; a two-part catalog of Signed Books; three sale lists; several year-end/Holiday lists; one list of Black and Indian literature (apologies, title dated); a genre (sci-fi, fantasy, mystery) catalog; four Vietnam catalogs (two paired with Sixties literature); a catalog of Nature Writing; and five catalogs of Native American Literature. Approximately 160 catalogs total. Shipped at cost. [#034457] SOLD

Homestead, Olivant Press, (1968). The second volume of "My Many Lives: the Autobiography of Walter Lowenfels." Lowenfels was a poet, editor, journalist, and left-wing political activist. He was arrested by the FBI in 1953 for conspiracy to overthrow the government; in the 1960s he was a prominent anti-Vietnam-war activist; in 1975 he edited an international anthology, For Neruda, For Chile, in the aftermath of the 1973 Chilean coup. An uncommon publication, produced from typescript. OCLC locates only three copies. Very good in a very good dust jacket that is too short for the book and has an edge tear on the lower rear panel. [#034458] $200

San Francisco, Harper & Row, (1980). A seminal ecofeminist text, linking the objectification, subjugation, and exploitation of nature with a socio-economic order that subordinated women. Signed by Merchant. Small spots on foredge, else fine in a near fine dust jacket with some unnecessary internal tape-strengthening at the edges. Uncommon in the first edition, and signed. [#034459] $150

[Chicago], [Self-Published], (n.d.). A 22-page booklet recounting the experiences of Mrs. Abner Halsey (Mary Morgan) Miller and her family during the Chicago fire of 1871, including attempts at saving home and property, the journey to safety, the heroes and thieves, and the ensuing hardships. This copy is signed by the author, with an additional three pages of densely hand-written personal history on the rear blanks, being a prequel to the fire, in part concerning her education. Approximately 700 words, not counting the final three lines, which have been erased. These paragraphs are also signed by the author, and dated 1929. Surface soiling to covers; near fine in stapled wrappers. An uncommon publication: OCLC locates only nine copies, and this one is obviously, unique -- the author's recollections not only of the fire but of her life before it as well. [#034460] SOLD

London, Folio Society, 2015. The first illustrated edition of Morrison's 1987 novel, which won the Pulitzer Prize, was the basis for the award-winning 1998 film by Jonathan Demme, and was voted the Best Work of American Fiction in a quarter century in a 2006 survey by The New York Times Book Review. This edition has an introduction by Russell Banks and illustrations by Joe Morse. A fine copy in a fine slipcase; still shrinkwrapped. [#034461] $125

(NY), Kodansha, 1991. The uncorrected proof copy, in purple wrappers, of the first American edition of this novel: shot from typescript and reproducing holograph page numbers and several holograph corrections. Predates the uncorrected proof in green wrappers. Even casual inspection of this "unedited manuscript" reveals significant differences between this version and the published text, enough to consider this a draft. A combination of hard-boiled science fiction and surreal fantasy, Murakami has called this his favorite among his novels, as has Jay Rubin, Murakami's English translator for much of his later work. Winner of the Tanizaki Prize in Japan in 1985. Mild spine-fading and some smudged writing on the cover; near fine. A scarce advance copy of a notable early title by Murakami, his second book published in the U.S. [#034462] SOLD

[NY], Vintage International, 2000. An advance copy of the first American edition, which was published as a Vintage International paperback original. Tapebound 8-1/2" x 11" sheets, shot from typescript. 423 double-spaced pages, bound with a translator's note and publisher's marketing material. Publication date changed by hand on the front cover, from August to September. Casual examination reveals a change to the novel's final line between this version and the published version. Bit of splaying and spotting to covers; near fine. [#034463] SOLD

Hadley, Ken Lopez, Bookseller, 1996. Bruchac provides the introduction to this catalog of Native American literature: over 3 pages, he tells how he learned the power of strong stories. As best we know, not reprinted elsewhere. Fine in wrappers. [#034464] $25

Hadley, Ken Lopez, Bookseller, 2000. Niatum provides the introduction to this catalog of Native American literature, in which he speaks of the ancestral roots of his, and others', works. As best we know, not reprinted elsewhere. Fine in wrappers. [#034465] $25

Hadley, Ken Lopez, Bookseller, 1994. Silko provides the introduction to this catalog of Native American literature: a 3-page story from her family history about the need for Native voices to tell Native stories. An essay adapted and expanded from this piece was published in the Los Angeles Times and later collected in Yellow Woman and a Beauty of the Spirit, but this essay itself has never been reprinted. Fine in wrappers. [#034466] $25

Hadley, Ken Lopez, Bookseller, 2006. Vizenor provides the introduction to this catalog of Native American literature: 4 pages, in which Vizenor writes of his own writing, and that of others, such as N. Scott Momaday, Leslie Silko, Gordon Henry, Louis Owens, Michael Dorris, and Louise Erdrich. As far as we know, this essay has not been reprinted elsewhere. Fine in wrappers. [#034467] $25

Hadley, Ken Lopez, Bookseller, 1997. Welch provides the introduction to this catalog of Native American literature, in which he talks about how, with the help of Richard Hugo, he became a poet, and one of the early voices to be heard in the larger literary landscape of the "Native American Renaissance." Not reprinted elsewhere. Fine in wrappers. [#034468] $25

Iowa City, University of Iowa Press, (1971). His first book, warmly inscribed by O'Connor, over a full page, to Andy and Carol, hoping that a more substantial friendship can come from Andy's visit and reading. Dated May 24, 1974. Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Winner of the Iowa School of Letters Award for Short Fiction, 1971. [#034469] $125

NY, Norton, (1996). The advance reading copy of his highly praised first book, made into a well-received movie, both of which have become cult classics. Touch of lift to the front cover, else fine in wrappers. Laid in is a signed Palahniuk trading card, (#445), issued by The Booksmith in conjunction with the release of the author's 2001 novel Choke. On the card, Palahniuk has given himself a mustache, a forehead scar, a black eye, and two missing teeth. Uncommon in the advance issue, and unique with the author's customized trading card. [#034470] $600

NY, Random House, (2017). An advance copy, in the form of 6-1/2" x 9" tapebound sheets, of Saunders' first novel, a bestseller that won the Booker Prize. An unusual copy, similar in size to the advance reading copy that was issued for this title, but without the interview included in that issue, and without any explicit statements of its being an advance copy, price, etc. The binding is a black tape spine, a black vinyl rear cover, and an acetate front cover over the page with the cover illustration. That it is an advance copy is indicated only by the fact that the "About the Author" section is indicated as "TK" -- i.e., to come. Casual examination reveals small textual differences between this copy and the published version on the final page of text. An extremely uncommon issue of an award-winning title, one of the most talked-about books of the year. Fine. [#034471] SOLD

(San Francisco), (San Francisco), (1963-1964). Three broadsides: Gary Snyder's Nanao Knows, Lew Welch's Step Out Onto the Planet, and Philip Whalen's Three Mornings. Each reproduced by photo-offset from the author's own calligraphy and printed in an edition of 300 copies on the occasion of a reading at Longshoreman's Hall, San Francisco, June 12, 1964. Each broadside is signed by its author. Snyder, Welch and Whalen first met when they attended Reed College, a progressive school in Oregon; the friends later became three of the most influential poets of the Beat generation. The Snyder and Whalen are fine; the Welch has some faint creasing and is near fine. 9-1/2" x 12-1/2". Publisher's postcard prospectus laid in. [McNeil A7.] [#034472] $1,000

(San Francisco), (San Francisco), (1963-1964). Three broadsides: Gary Snyder's Nanao Knows, Lew Welch's Step Out Onto the Planet, and Philip Whalen's Three Mornings. Each reproduced by photo-offset from the author's own calligraphy and printed in an edition of 300 copies on the occasion of a reading at Longshoreman's Hall, San Francisco, June 12, 1964. Each broadside is signed by its author. Snyder, Welch and Whalen first met when they attended Reed College, a progressive school in Oregon; the friends later became three of the most influential poets of the Beat generation. The Welch is sunned with two creases; the Snyder and Whalen have some light creases and edge sunning and are also signed by an unknown hand in an upper margin, with "much happiness." A very good set. 9-1/2" x 12-1/2". Publisher's postcard prospectus laid in. [McNeil A7.] [#034473] $700

Black thong panties, printed with Thompson's Gonzo Fist logo in pink, and nicely mounted and framed along with Thompson's business card as night manager of the Mitchell Brothers' O'Farrell Theatre, a San Francisco strip club. 16-1/2" x 15-3/4". The panties were a gift from Thompson to a friend, who had them mounted and framed with the business card. As far as we know, a unique piece of Gonzo memorabilia, with the distinctive provenance of having come directly from Thompson. Fine. [#034474] $850

[Lexington], [Petro III Graphics], 2006. An enigmatic limited edition print by Vonnegut, with a message either ecological or hallucinogenic. One of 100 numbered copies, signed by Vonnegut. 11" x 15". Fine. [#034475] $400

NY, Minton, Balch & Company, (1924). An association copy of this political novel. Inscribed by the author to her publisher: "To my good friend and gallant publisher/ Mr. Minton/ head of the joint stock company of Minton, Balch, Mathilde, & me -- and the only Republican in it -- what might be called a hapless minority! -- Julia Scott Vrooman/ New York/ Sept 12/ 24." Mathilde is the name of the book's protagonist, a progressive D.C. political wife. Vrooman's husband was Assistant Secretary of Agriculture under Woodrow Wilson, a Democrat, and her uncle was Adlai Stevenson I, the Vice-President under Grover Cleveland, another Democrat. This title was reissued as a signed limited edition the following year; signed copies of the trade edition are rare. This copy is stamped "Sample Copy" on all edges of the text block and is very good, lacking the dust jacket. A wonderful association -- inscribed by the author to her publisher. [#034476] SOLD

Chattanooga, University of Tennessee, 1981. Issue No. 11, featuring a portfolio of poems by Wier, along with an interview with her. Each section is marked by a paperclip, presumably by Wier, as this copy is from the poet's library. Tapebound in cardstock covers; rust marks to pages from the clips, else fine. [#034477] $50

Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University Press, 1992. The uncommon hardcover issue of this collection of poems. Unmarked, but from the library of the author. Fine in a very near fine dust jacket with a slight crimp at the crown. [#034478] $50

Minneapolis, Rain Taxi, (2003). A chapbook with five poems by Wier, #10 in the Rain Taxi Brainstorm series. One of 200 numbered copies, this copy is from the author's library. Edge-sunned, but near fine in tall, saddle-stitched wrappers. [#034479] $45

(n.p.), (n.p.), ca. 2009. A spiralbound mock-up of a book of selected poems, with photocopied selections from, apparently, seven of her previous books. Some pages reproduce copyeditor's marks. Such a selection was issued by Wave Books in 2009. Last few pages creased, with a small stain (coffee?). Otherwise about fine. Unmarked, but from the author's library. Needless to say, extremely scarce, if not unique. [#034480] $250

Amherst, Factory Hollow Press, 2010. A collection of one- to three-line excerpts from poems by 144 poets. Edited by Wier, Lori Shine, and Betsy Wheeler. 5-1/4" x 3-3/4". Hardcover, issued without dust jacket. Still shrinkwrapped. Fine. Unmarked, but from the library of Dara Wier. [#034481] $30

(Roanoke), Toler and Company, (1976). A chapbook printing two poems about a dam, each poem dedicated to the other poet. Printed in an edition of 100 for distribution to friends, this is an unnumbered, out-of-series copy, from Wier's library. A single sheet, folded in fourths. Fine. [#034482] $35