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Black cloth over flexible boards, lettering hand-painted in white on upper board and spine; 12mo (5 x 6.5 inches); approx. pp. [70], typed in red and black, illustrated throughout, original pen and ink drawings with watercolor wash. "Self-published," likely the only copy. Dedication copy, inscribed by the author to the dedicatee: "Best wishes to John B. L. Goodwin, from the author (Tangier 12-19-49)." Goodwin was an American writer and painter, and a discerning collector of American Art. Themistocles Hoetis is the pen-name of George Solomos, a writer, filmmaker, and publisher -- most famously, perhaps, of the literary journal, "Zero." Both men were widely travelled and well-connected in the artistic cirlces of their time, and, between them, their acquaintances include Paul Bowles, James Baldwin, Jean Cocteau, Max Ernst, Christopher Isherwood, Gore Vidal, Yoko Ono, John Lennon, and others. Though we can't trace exactly how the two men were connected, it's easy to imagine how the six degrees of separation between Solomos and Goodwin may not even be six (it may be one!), as this charming little volume suggests that they must have shared some true friendship. Carefully made and beautifully illustrated, it tells a whimsical tale involving witches, a lusty snowman, a kidnapped sun, and an amorous flower. A wonderful memento. Seller Inventory # D6871
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