(NY), (Totem), (1959). The first separate edition of this essay by Olson, originally published in 1950 and here published by the poet Leroi Jones's press. Olson's essay, which argued for a form of poetry that was dictated not by the external structures of line and meter but by the internal "structure" of the poet's breath, was a radical and influential statement, and it helped attract a number of poets to Black Mountain College where he was teaching at the time. Among the poets who came to Black Mountain, largely because of Olson's presence there, were Robert Creeley, Robert Duncan, and Denise Levertov. "Projective Verse" is widely considered Olson's most important critical statement on poetry in much the same way as The Maximus Poems -- although a much larger work -- is considered his most important poetic statement. Warmly inscribed by Olson in 1960 to poet Vince Ferrini and his wife, Mary Shore. An excellent association copy: Ferrini and Olson were both friends and competitors, and Ferrini introduced Olson to Robert Creeley; in addition, Olson addressed Ferrini directly in The Maximus Poems. One spot to front cover; near fine in stapled wrappers. [#016362] SOLD