synaesthesia press

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. VG in like jacket. Just some minor wear. It's a nice copy.

Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. No Jacket. 3rd Edition. It's the first edition of the third printing (but first printing with this cover image).  I'll grade it VG in wraps, as published. There's some minor shelf wear and a tiny crease to back corner. Solar Lottery was first published in 1955. As with almost all PKD's writing, it's set in a dystopian future. Society is governed by a random selection process called the "Lottery." The protagonist, Ted Benteley, becomes involved in a complex political system where leadership is determined by chance. The novel explores themes of randomness, power dynamics, and social control. As Benteley navigates this unpredictable world, he encounters various characters and challenges the existing social order. Dick's novel critiques bureaucratic systems and the arbitrary nature of authority, showcasing his characteristic blend of philosophical speculation and speculative fiction typical of his early work. A tight, unread copy and much better than it sounds.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. First thus. VG in like DJ. Some general, light shelf wear. The Beautiful Flagellants of New York is a 19th-century erotic novel, published anonymously in 1868. It is considered part of the Victorian underground literature genre, known for its exploration of taboo and controversial themes during that era. The novel focuses on the practices of a secretive New York society indulging in flagellation, detailing their rituals and relationships. The work blends explicit content with a satirical critique of societal hypocrisy and excess, common in erotic fiction of the time. While largely intended for shock value, it also offers a historical glimpse into Victorian attitudes toward sexuality and morality.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 5th or later Edition. VG in VG- DJ. Later (13th) printing.  A great reading copy! Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier is a poignant Civil War-era novel that intertwines themes of love, survival, and personal transformation. The story follows Inman, a Confederate soldier disillusioned by war, as he deserts and embarks on a perilous journey back to his beloved Ada in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Meanwhile, Ada struggles to adapt to rural life after her father's death, learning self-reliance with the help of a resourceful companion, Ruby. Inspired by Homer's The Odyssey, the novel alternates between Inman's harrowing trek and Ada's resilience, blending historical detail with lyrical prose. Cold Mountain won the 1997 National Book Award.

Soft cover. Condition: As New. No Jacket. As new in stapled wraps as published. Published in an edition of 200 copies: 174 in a regular edition as well as 26 special copies, lettered & signed with an original C-Print from the book laid in. THIS IS THE REGULAR EDITION! These Days published Various Self Portraits to coincide with my first solo show, Sexual Fictions. From These Days' website: "With the deceiving title of Various Self Portraits, this 'zine doesn't actually contain a single self portrait. Instead, photographer Jim Camp has turned his camera on adult film actresses, documenting his subjects engaging in an alternative form of the term, better known as the social media and and self-promotion preoccupation, the 'selfie'". Adult actors / actresses featured in Various Self Portraits include Riley Reid, Stella Cox, Lexi Lowe, Ashley Adams, Keisha Grey, Anna Bell Peaks, Katrina Jade, Lana Rhodes, and James Deen -- among others. I'd be more than happy to inscribe/sign one for you -- just ask.

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. First American Edition. Near fine in like DJ. A tight, clean copy of the author's third -- and final -- collection of short fiction. The author's third and final masterful collection of short stories. Jones' fiction delves into the complexities of human existence with grit, humor, and raw emotional depth. The stories explore themes of masculinity, resilience, and the human condition, often centering on flawed but deeply relatable characters. From the title story, which captures a young boxer's longing for connection and purpose, to tales of soldiers, addicts, and misfits, Jones reveals moments of vulnerability and triumph amid life's chaos. His prose is sharp and visceral, combining bleak realism with moments of redemption, making the collection both harrowing and unforgettable. Jones' writing frequently drew on his own experiences, including his battles with epilepsy, diabetes and bipolar disorder, lending his stories an autobiographical intensity. Though his output was small, his work left a significant impact on contemporary American literature, celebrated for its unflinching honesty and stylistic power. He's certainly one of my favorite writers.

Soft cover. Condition: As New. No Jacket. Fine in hand-tied wraps, as published. One of 300 copies, letterpress-printed and signed by the author. the synaesthesia press is proud to announce the publication of June 1, 2014 by Tosh Berman. It's a hand-made, limited-edition chapbook published in an edition of 300 copies in March 2015. I designed and letterpress printed June 1, 2014 on my Vandercook OS 219. The text was both hand-set type and printed from polymer plates. I bound the book by hand, too. Tosh signed the run. The book includes three tipped-in color illustrations. There are four variant covers (no specific limitation). I printed about the same number of each color: Steel Blue, Factory Green, Safety Orange, and Kraft Speckletone. -- Around March of 1967, my father received a large envelope that was addressed from London. What came out was a black and white photograph and a letter, addressed to Wallace. It was a very formal business letter and it came from Brian Epstein, who I knew at the time was the manager of The Beatles. Tosh's father is Wallace Berman, "an American experimental filmmaker, assemblage and collage artist and a crucial figure in the history of post-war California art." The letter was a formal request for Wallace to sign a release, allowing The Beatles to use his image on the cover of what would become arguably the greatest rock record of all time -- Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Tosh continues: My first impression was an image of a funeral, with all the people at the ceremony facing the camera. The image was in black and white, and the picture had a flatness to it, like nothing stands out, except the whole picture itself. Thinking back on it now, it reminds me of a Kabuki stage.  Remember, it's the Spring of 1967 and only a handful of people had actually seen what would become the cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. June 1, 2014 is a terrific vignette. If you're a Tosh fan or a Beatles fan or a fan of Wallace Berman, it's essential reading. A variation of June 1, 2014 later showed up in Tosh's book, Tosh: Growing Up in Wallace Berman's World, which was published by City Lights Books in February 2019. It's really a terrific memoir, and if you're not an L.A. local, here's another place to grab a copy. Finally, June 1, 2014 first appeared as one of 365 posts Tosh shared on Facebook in 2014. That's where I first read it. Tosh completed one vignette every day that year, and he's now calling the collected writings the 2014 Series. As the title suggests, the vignette  was posted to Tosh's FaceBook feed on June 1, 2014, which was also the 47th anniversary of Sgt. Pepper's commercial release. Some copies remain for sale at the publication price of $24.95. You may request one of the four colors; if they're available, I'll be happy to accommodate. If you're a bookseller, inquire about discounts to the trade. Signed by Author(s).

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Near fine in like jacket. A beautiful, unread copy. Lydia Davis's Samuel Johnson Is Indignant is a collection of brief, sharp, and inventive short stories that blend wit, absurdity, and keen observation. The stories range from a few sentences to several pages, exploring themes like human behavior, relationships, and the peculiarities of everyday life. Davis's minimalist style often blurs the line between prose and poetry, delivering profound insights with brevity. Highlights include reflections on language, philosophical musings, and wry humor, as seen in the title story about Samuel Johnson's irritation. The collection showcases Davis's ability to capture complex emotions and ideas in strikingly concise and imaginative ways. The title story: SAMUEL JOHNSON IS INDIGNANT:    that Scotland has so few trees.  Now buy the book and read the rest.

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. Near fine in like DJ. Clean. Tight. A very nice copy. Screaming with Joy: The Life of Allen Ginsberg by Graham Caveney is a biography exploring the life, work, and cultural influence of Allen Ginsberg, one of the most prominent figures of the Beat Generation. Caveney examines Ginsberg's poetry, especially Howl, his role in challenging societal norms, and his activism in politics, spirituality, and LGBTQ+ rights. The book dives into Ginsberg's complex relationships, struggles with fame, and commitment to artistic freedom. Caveney presents a vivid portrait of Ginsberg as a revolutionary poet who shaped modern counterculture and literature. "The first fully illustrated tribute to Allen Ginsberg -- the best-known American poet of the post-war generation, mother of the Beats, and walking embodiment of Western counterculture.".

Soft cover. Condition: Good. Good only in stapled wraps. Two chips -- one on front cover and one on back. See pics. Escapade was a men's magazine that emerged during the mid-20th century, part of the wave of "girlie magazines" popularized by Playboy. First published in 1955, Escapade positioned itself as a mix of pin-up photography, fiction, and lifestyle content, catering to men interested in culture, humor, and sexualized imagery. Like most men's magazines from this period, Escapade struggled to maintain its foothold in a crowded market and the changing cultural attitudes toward print media and adult content. It ceased publication by the late 1970s.

No Binding. Condition: Near Fine. Near fine. Approx. 7" x 9" (17.78 cm x 22.86 cm). Stamped twice on verso "From the picture collection of the Audio-Visual Service Los Angeles Public Library". Also "Talmadge" written on front upper left of picture in unknown hand. See pics. Promotional stills like this were used to advertise films in newspapers, theaters, and promotional posters. This one is from "The Woman Gives", starring Norma Talmadge, one of the most celebrated actresses of the silent era and at the height of her fame during this period, along side her co-star, Robert Milton. Note: this is a "restrike" made from the original negative but not during the original production period and priced accordingly.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. First edition. VG in like DJ. Small damp stain on the inside back of the jacket that slightly affects the book. One small, closed tear on the front lower corner of the jacket. Better than it sounds. Positive Image: A Portrait of Gay America is a significant work by photographer Stephen Stewart, first published in 1985 by William Morrow and Company. This 191-page hardcover book offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of prominent gay men and women, capturing the essence of the gay liberation movement through a series of compelling portraits and photographs. The collection not only showcases Stewart's artistic vision but also serves as a historical document reflecting the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community during a pivotal era. This book is an essential addition to any LGBTQ+ history, photography, or social activism collection.

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Offering: Kenzo Kitakata. Ashes. NYC: Vertical, 2003. First American edition, near fine in boards. Both wrap-around bands present. Ashes was first published in 1990 and later translated into English in 2003. The story offers a deep dive into the life of Tanaka, a middle-aged Yakuza navigating the complexities of his criminal career and personal introspections. The narrative is divided into two distinct parts: The Man Within: Presented in the third person, this section portrays Tanaka's external world and actions, illustrating his role within the Yakuza hierarchy and his interactions. Within the Man: Switching to a first-person perspective, this part delves into Tanaka's internal contemplations, revealing his personal struggles and existential reflections. Kitakata's writing style is characterized by its hard-boiled, noir tone, reminiscent of classic crime fiction. Think Ellroy. Think Whitehead. Think Corleone. The novel has been praised for its nuanced character study and atmospheric depiction of the Japanese underworld. As noted in a review by Charlie Dickinson, the book offers "an absorbing character study, part Spillane, part Dostoevsky, but always hard-boiled." For readers interested in crime fiction that explores themes of aging, loyalty, and self-discovery within the context of organized crime, Ashes provides a compelling and introspective narrative.

Soft cover. Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. S. Dana Hubbard. Sex Facts for the Adolescent and Matured Woman. NYC: The Claremont Printing Co., 1922. First printing. Near fine in wraps, as published. Dr. Samuel Dana Hubbard (18691937) was a prominent early 20th-century American physician specializing in dermatology. Serving at the New York City Children's Hospital and as Director of the Bureau of Public Health Education in New York City, he was deeply committed to public health initiatives. Hubbard authored numerous educational booklets in the 1920s, such as "Sex Facts for Young Men," "Facts About Motherhood," and "Sex Facts for the Adolescent and Matured Woman." These works aimed to provide accessible sex education to the general public, addressing topics like venereal diseases, prostitution, and personal hygiene. Notably, Hubbard also ventured into film, producing educational movies like "Some Wild Oats" to further disseminate information on sexual health and morality. Published in 1922, this small booklet offers a window into early 20th-century medical and social attitudes toward women's health, sexuality, and morality.

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Offering: Joyce Carol Oats, Padgett Powell, Steven Millhauser, et al. McSweeney's 25. SF: McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, 2007. The binding is tight, the silver-stamped spine crisp, and the condition is near fine. It's impossible to talk about the literary scene of the early 2000s without tipping a hat to McSweeney's. Founded by Dave Eggers, the journal is as much a design object as it is a publishing vehicle, always pushing the form with unexpected formats, contributors, and tone. Issue 25 is no exception: visually arresting, absurdly tactile, and defiantly print-first. Think of it as an art piece that happens to contain fiction, comics, criticism, and a wink at seriousness. In addition to Joyce Carol Oats, Padgett Powell and Steven Millhauser, this issue also features stories by Wells Tower, Jim Shepard (and others), all wrapped in a triptych of textures: black cloth, aqua blue, and metallic champagneeach panel embossed with wild, cartoonish figures. But don't judge a book by its cover! Whether you're completing the run, gifting a lit-nerd friend, or just want a reason to pull something strange and beautiful off your shelfhere ya go.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Offering: Daniel Fuchs. The Golden West: Hollywood Stories. Jaffrey, NH: The Black Sparrow Press, 2005. Near fine in VG+ DJ that shows a tiny hint of fading to the spine, especially at the base. Daniel Fuchs, originally from New York, transitioned to Los Angeles in his mid-20s to pursue a career in screenwriting. Over the years, he collaborated with notable directors such as Vincent Sherman, Raoul Walsh, and Elia Kazan. Beyond his screenplays, Fuchs contributed essays and stories to publications like The New Yorker, providing candid reflections on his experiences in Hollywood. This anthology brings together Fuchs's insightful essays and fictional pieces that delve into the intricacies of Hollywood life, offering readers a nuanced portrayal of the film industry's golden era. Critics have praised Fuchs's work for its authenticity and depth. Irving Howe, writing for The New York Review of Books, remarked that The Golden West is "first-rate, worth placing beside Fitzgerald's and West's evocations of the Hollywood frenzythat lunatic desperation that keeps these people, their hearts eaten away by success and memory, clinging to the slopes to avoid falling into bankruptcy yet still dreaming that, with a yank here, a twist there, they'll again make a cool million." The book also features an introduction by John Updike, who admired Fuchs's precision, restraint, and the quietly radiant intelligence beneath his prose.

Soft cover. Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. Fine in stapled wraps. Limited to 130 copies and 26 lettered copies, signed by Coleman. This is one of the 130. Wanda Coleman (19462013) was a groundbreaking American poet, essayist, and fiction writer, often referred to as the "unofficial poet laureate of Los Angeles." Her work is celebrated for its raw honesty, sharp critique of societal norms, and vivid depictions of life in Los Angeles, particularly from the perspective of Black and working-class communities. Coleman's work continues to resonate for its fearless exploration of inequality, cultural identity, and the complexities of the human condition. She remains an essential figure in both Los Angeles literary history and the broader canon of American literature. Love-Ins with Nietzsche is memoir-style narrative delving into Coleman's personal experiences and reflections, intertwining her life narratives with philosophical musings, particularly drawing upon the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche. The chapbook was notable enough to receive a nomination for the Pushcart Prize, highlighting its significance in contemporary literature.  In Love-Ins. Coleman continues her exploration of complex themes such as identity, race, and existentialism, all hallmarks of her broader body of work. The chapbook offers readers an intimate glimpse into her contemplative world, blending memoir with philosophical inquiry.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Offering: John Leland. Hip: The History. NYC: Ecco, 2004. VG+ in VG DJ that shows a hint of yellowing and light shelf wear along the top of the book. John Leland is a journalist, essayist, and cultural critic who made his bones writing for The New York Times, Spin, and Details. Known for tracking the intersections of music, race, rebellion, and cool, he brings a sharp, punk-leaning intellect to everything he writes. Whether he's covering aging, hip-hop, or Jesus (yes, all of those), Leland combines a scholar's reach with a fan's enthusiasm. Hip: The History is arguably his most ambitious effortan attempt to define, deconstruct, and follow the idea of hip from its birth in African American vernacular culture to its total absorption into the mainstream. Hip: The History (2004, Ecco/HarperCollins) is both a love letter and an autopsy. Leland traces the lineage of "hip" from jazz musicians like Zoot Sims to Zoot Suits up through the Beats, the Black Panthers, punk rock, and hip-hop, interrogating how an idea born in resistance became a marketing term. Along the way, he asks the hard stuff: can hip survive success? Can it even be defined without killing it? It's part cultural study, part detective story, and a must-read for anyone who thinks being cool is more than just a look. A smart, soulful, genre-hopping history of America's most slippery three-letter word.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. VG+ in the glassine jacket as published. This is the limited edition, number 96 of 200 copies. Paul Goodman was an influential American writer, intellectual, and social critic who was particularly prominent in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a key figure in the New York intellectual scene and made significant contributions to various fields, including urban planning, education, psychotherapy, and social criticism. Born in New York City in 1911, Goodman was a polymath who wrote extensively on a wide range of topics. He was perhaps best known for his critique of modern industrial society and his advocacy for more humane, decentralized social structures. His book Growing Up Absurd (1960) was particularly influential, offering a sharp critique of American society's impact on youth and challenging the conformist culture of the 1950s. Goodman was also a key intellectual figure in the New Left movement and was closely associated with the counterculture of the 1960s. He was one of the co-founders of Gestalt therapy, working closely with Fritz Perls, and made important contributions to psychological theory and practice. As a writer, he was remarkably prolific, publishing poetry, novels, social criticism, and works on urban planning and education. He was known for his radical ideas about education, advocating for more flexible, student-centered learning environments that would allow for greater personal and creative development. Politically, Goodman was an anarchist and pacifist. He was critical of both capitalist and communist systems, believing in decentralized, community-based approaches to social organization. During the Vietnam War era, he was an active voice in the anti-war movement and was deeply critical of militarism and bureaucratic social structures. Despite his significant influence during his lifetime, Goodman's work fell out of favor in later decades. Enter John Martin and his Black Sparrow Press.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. The first British Edition. VG in near-fine DJ. Books' pages show some light foxing throughout. I've seen copies with the copyright date striked out in black ink -- this copy lacking that flaw. Henry Miller's Book of Friends is a warm, reflective tribute to his "friends of long ago". Through a series of vignettes and sketches, Miller celebrates the individuals who influenced his creative journey, offering intimate portraits of their personalities, quirks, and the bonds they shared. The book blends nostalgia with Miller's signature candidness, creating a deeply personal mosaic of friendship, love, and artistic inspiration. Rich in anecdotes and philosophical musings, Book of Friends is both a memoir and an homage, showcasing Miller's gratitude for the eight friends Miller made early in his life that would go on to enrich his character: Staisu ("none of us dared called him that because it made him a 'Polak'.") ; Joey & Tony ("When I think of these two little friends now they scarcely seem real to me."; Cousin Henry ("King of 85th Street"); Jimmy Pasta ("In grammar school he was my only rival."); Joe O'Reagan ("a born wanderer."); Max Winthrop ("we were both clowns.both ham actors"); and Alec Considine ("What he liked was to find a good-natured whore, fuck her in her own room, then bolt without paying her".).

Soft cover. Condition: Fine. 1st Edition. Fine in sewn wraps, as issued. Edition limited to 100 copies, this being No. 51. In original mailing envelope. If you don't know Sick Fly / Tangerine productions, you can thank me later. William Wantling (19331974) was an American poet, novelist, and visual artist whose work captured the grit and intensity of mid-20th-century life. Known for his raw and unflinching honesty, Wantling's poetry often reflected his turbulent personal experiences, including his time as a Marine, his struggles with heroin addiction, and his years in prison. His work is considered a significant contribution to the post-Beat literary movement. Tangerine Press is dedicated to championing works by authors who often exist on the fringes of society, embracing misfits, mavericks, and misanthropes. Their catalog includes a diverse range of voices, from cult poets like Wantling and Billy Childish to Booker Prize winner James Kelman. The press also delves into unique projects, such as a new edition of Jack London's The People of the Abyss, co-published with L-13 Light Industrial Workshop, featuring an introduction by Iain Sinclair.

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Offering: Millard Kaufman. Bowl of Cherries. SF: McSweeney's, 2007. First edition. Near fine in like wrap-around DJ. Millard Kaufman (19172009) was the kind of man who lived a few lives before writing his first novel at 90. A decorated World War II Marine, he served in Guadalcanal and Okinawa before turning to Hollywood, where he co-created Mr. Magoo and earned two Academy Award nominations for screenwriting. His credits include the hard-hitting Bad Day at Black Rock and the World's Fair-winning Raintree County. A fierce defender of artistic freedom (he once fronted for a blacklisted writer during the Red Scare), Kaufman taught screenwriting at Johns Hopkins and Sundance, and penned the influential book Plots and Characters. Late in life, with nothing left to prove, he pivoted to fictionand delivered a literary firecracker. Bowl of Cherries is Kaufman's only novel, and it's a riot. A teenage genius expelled from Yale collides with anarchic academia, a sexed-up love affair, a Middle Eastern jail, and a porn studio beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. It's part farce, part philosophical rompdelivered in a voice that's equal parts Nabokov and Looney Tunes. Written with the manic joy of someone who doesn't give a damn about literary trends, it's gleeful, bawdy, and weirdly tender. McSweeney's took a risk publishing a nonagenarian debut, and it paid off: Bowl of Cherries is a pure original, unburdened by genre and uninterested in playing it safe. A fever-dream debut from a 90-year-old legend who knew how to tell a storyand how to blow one up.

Hardcover. Condition: Near Fine. 1st Edition. Offering: James Broughton. Tidings (Poems at the Land's Edge). San Francisco: Pearce & Bennett, 1965. Near fine in boards, as published. Limited to 500 copies. A beautiful copy lacking the DJ. A terrific reading copy! James Broughton's Tidings is a quiet masterpiece of West Coast poetryprinted, bound, and handset by the legendary Pterodactyl Press in San Francisco. Issued in an edition of 500 copies (with an additional 35 boxed copies), it's a tactile reminder of what fine press poetry looked like before it got precious. No dust jacket issued. This is poetry in linen boards and ink, full of wit, body, and deep spiritual reverence. Broughton, a central figure of the San Francisco Renaissance, was equal parts poet and provocateur. He was a filmmaker, a queer icon, a mystic with a typewriter. Tidings delivers his lyrical voice in a format worthy of its resonance. Lacking the original dustjacket, as often seen, but still a beautifully preserved example of Pterodactyl Press's finely printed work.

No Binding. Condition: Good. Hollywood, CA: Allied Artists, 1958. 11" x 14" (approx. 27.94 cm x 35.56 cm) Original -- not a "repop"/reproduction. Good condition. Paper slightly yellowed from age. Some fading. Slight creasing to edges. One small hole bottom center (not a pin hole), but some creasing / small pinholes in the yellow portion of the card. Lobby cards are small promotional posters or prints that were used by movie theaters from the early 20th century until around the 1980s to advertise upcoming films. They are a type of movie memorabilia, typically issued as part of a set that highlights key scenes or promotional imagery for a film. Unwed Mother is a 1958 B-Movie extravaganza released by Allied Artists Pictures, directed by Walter Doniger and starring Norma Moore and Robert Vaughn. Do I really need to say it s a cautionary tale in the tradition of mid-20th-century melodramas that sought to address taboo subjects like teenage pregnancy and societal stigmas? Of course not. Not particularly scarce.but it'll look great in your Man Cave or Movie Room!

Soft cover. Condition: Good. Good in pictorial wraps. Some creasing from being read. No rips or tears. Jazz Journal is a British magazine dedicated to jazz music, first published in 1948, making it one of the longest-running jazz periodicals in the world. It has chronicled the evolution of jazz over decades, becoming a trusted resource for enthusiasts, musicians, and historians. This issue featured articles on the Italian Jazz scene; "Men at Work: Mulligan and Desmond";  "The Story of Monette Moore";  "Britain in the 30's"; and "Robert Johnson and Standrads in Blues Criticism"; also insightful reviews of notable jazz albums of the time: John Coltrane's album Coltrane Time, highlighting his "full-toned, doomy and obsessive" tenor work and Joe Harriott's album Abstract, noting his attempt to create "abstract music" and praising trumpeter Shake Keane's inventive imagination and technique. Jazz Journal is valued for its scholarly approach, engaging content, and dedication to jazz as an art form. Its longevity is a testament to its influence in the world of jazz journalism.

No Binding. Condition: Near Fine. All three photos near fine. 3 1/2" x 5" (approximately 8.89 cm x 12.7 cm). Hint of tape removal on back of two pictures. Dated in pencil 1958 on verso. The appeal of vintage snapshots lie in their ability to transport viewers to a simpler, nostalgic time. The best of these pictures offer a glimpse into how people celebrated and expressed their lives -- and especially their creativity -- during the era. Three pictures. Two kids. Both in charming costumesone dressed as a witch with a broomstick, and the other as a masked pirate with boots. Perfect for collectors of retro Halloween memorabilia, these snapshots capture the nostalgic essence of 1950's America. Three unique pieces of mid-20th century Americana.

Soft cover. Condition: Good. Offering: Bunny Yeager, Russ Meyer, et al. Master Photography. Number 1. NYC: Arnold Magazines, 1957. VG-/G+ with light spine and edge wear, some mild cover surface scuffing, and minor age toning to interior pages. No missing or loose pages. No markings. Bright, clean interior with excellent photo contrast. A solid, complete copy. In the booming postwar years of the 1950s, amateur photography saw an unprecedented surge in popularity. With camera technology becoming more affordable and accessible, a generation of hobbyists eagerly embraced photography as both an art form and a means of personal expression. Publications like Master Photography catered to this growing audience, blending technical instruction with aspirational imagery. The result was a vibrant DIY photo culture that mirrored the era's optimism, curiosity, and consumerismall of which are on display in this rare premiere issue from Summer 1957. Featured in this debut issue are a mix of international talents and American innovators, including future cult icon Russ Meyer, known for his brazen, bombastic films and earlier career in still photography; and Bunny Yeager, the groundbreaking pin-up photographer who helped define mid-century American beauty, most famously with her Bettie Page sessions. This issue includes several of Yeager's nude figure studies, shot outdoors in natural California light using her Rolleiflex. Russ Meyer contributes as welllong before Faster, Pussycat!with the same sharp eye for curves and contrast. Also featured are Hildegard, Erika, Erno Slovak, Gerry Low, and Richard Saunders, whose "Harlem Street Scenes" lend the issue some stunning social-documentary realism. The combined effect of these contributors makes this a unique, culturally resonant time capsule at the intersection of glamour, artistry, and technique. A must for collectors of pin-up photography, Russ Meyer fans, or anyone tracking the rise of postwar American visual culturethis is where art, attitude, and aperture converge.

Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Nigel Whiteley. Reyner Banham: History of the Immediate Future. Cambridge, Mass and London: The MIT Press, 2002. First edition, VG+ in like DJ. Peter Reyner Banham (1922 1988) was an English architectural critic, historian, and writer known for his radical views on modern architecture and technology. A student of Nikolaus Pevsner, Banham rejected rigid historical narratives, instead championing the dynamic and ephemeral qualities of contemporary design. His seminal book, Theory and Design in the First Machine Age (1960), analyzed modernist movements, while Los Angeles: The Architecture of Four Ecologies (1971) celebrated the city s car-centric culture. Banham s writings bridged architecture, pop culture, and industrial design, influencing generations of critics. His work remains pivotal in understanding the intersection of architecture, media, and consumerism. Reyner Banham: Historian of the Immediate Future is Banham's comprehensive intellectual biography. Like most books published at University Presses, Whiteley's excellent book delves deep into Banham's influential career, examining his theories and ideas on architecture, design, and popular culture. Whiteley's biography not only chronicles Banham's professional achievements but also provides insight into his personal philosophies and the broader cultural context of his time. The book has been praised for its engaging and important assessment of Banham's contributions to architectural criticism.

Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Offering: Gerard Malanga & Salvador Dali. Sparrow 35: Explosions of the Swan and Three Poems. Santa Barbara, CA: The Black Sparrow Press, 1975. VG in stapled, printed wraps. One small stain to the lower front corner and a slight crease near the same spot (see photos). SPARROW was a chapbook series published monthly by Black Sparrow Press beginning in the early 1970s, each issue spotlighting a single author or work in poetry, fiction, or criticism. With its compact size, minimalist design, and low priceoften just 75 centsSPARROW served as an accessible, democratic format for avant-garde voices, emerging talent, and literary outsiders. The series was the brainchild of John Martin, Black Sparrow's founder, whose mission was to bring uncommercial, uncompromising literature to readers through bold typography, striking color choices, and high-quality production. Each issue was saddle-stapled, typically running under 20 pages, and printed with a distinctive red ornamental border. Contributors included an eclectic range of writers: Charles Bukowski, Diane Wakoski, Robert Kelly, Clayton Eshleman, and Gerard Malanga. While not every issue is widely collected, many have become scarce, especially those featuring now-iconic writers in their early or experimental phases. This issue features a rare and poetic intersection of two 20th-century icons: Explosion of the Swan, Salvador Dalí's surreal, emotionally charged meditation on the death of Federico García Lorca. Originally written in 1944 and later published in English, the piece is an evocative and dreamlike tribute from one master to anotherboth artistically and personally. The issue also includes Three Poems by Gerard Malanga, poet, photographer, and longtime collaborator with Andy Warhol at The Factory. Sparrow 35 -- a surrealist gem from the heart of Black Sparrow's radical poetry seriesideal for collectors of art, poetry, and the avant-garde underground.

Soft cover. Condition: Very Good. 1st Edition. Offering: Robert Creeley. Sparrow 40: Was That A Real Poem Or Did You Just Make It Up Yourself. Santa Barbara, CA: The Black Sparrow Press, 1975. VG+ in stapled, printed wraps with only a mild corner crease and minimal edgewear. SPARROW was a chapbook series published monthly by Black Sparrow Press beginning in the early 1970s, each issue spotlighting a single author or work in poetry, fiction, or criticism. With its compact size, minimalist design, and low priceoften just 75 centsSPARROW served as an accessible, democratic format for avant-garde voices, emerging talent, and literary outsiders. The series was the brainchild of John Martin, whose mission was to bring uncommercial, uncompromising literature to readers through bold typography, striking color choices, and high-quality production. Each issue was saddle-stapled, typically running under 20 pages, and printed with a distinctive red ornamental border. Contributors included an eclectic range of writers: Charles Bukowski, Diane Wakoski, Robert Kelly, Clayton Eshleman, and Gerard Malanga. While not every issue is widely collected, many have become scarce, especially those featuring now-iconic writers in their early or experimental phases. The 40th installment -- Was That a Real Poem Or Did You Just Make It Up Yourself  -- is a brief, elliptical collection. Creeley continues his signature exploration of rhythm, speech, and vulnerabilityhallmarks of the Black Mountain tradition. The title itself hints at Creeley's lifelong tension between poetic craft and improvisational impulse, a theme running throughout these compact, deceptively simple lines. A witty, minimalist gem from one of postwar poetry's most distinctive voices. Important and accessible and a solid piece of Black Sparrow ephemera.