[ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT]. Neurotic Inanimates. WITH: a copy of the printed book of the same name
Published by Richards Rosen Press (published version), New York, 1964
- First Edition
- Hardcover
- Used





Seller: Michael Laird Rare Books LLC, Lockhart, TX, U.S.A.Michael Laird Rare Books LLC
AbeBooks seller since May 4, 2006
Condition: Used - Very good
US$Â 1,320.00
Quantity:Â 1 available
Add to basketItem description from seller
MANUSCRIPT: Somewhat worn notebook of black cloth (210 x 130 mm), title scratched onto the front cover. With typewritten "introduction" and 11 original pastel illustrations, each with typewritten captions, the remainder blank. ADDED: published version: 8vo. [96] pp., illustrated with photographs throughout. Original blue publisher's cloth (extremities worn and a little soiled, but the hinges are quite perfect). No ugly inscriptions or stamps; NOT ex-library! WEIRD AND WONDERFUL, HIGHLY CYNICAL BOOK ABOUT GENDER RELATIONS, HERE EXPRESSED THROUGH MEAN-SPIRITED HOUSEHOLD OBJECTS. WE OFFER THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT DRAFT, WITH 11 PASTEL ILLUSTRATIONS AND TYPEWRITTEN TEXTS, ALONG WITH A COPY OF THE PUBLISHED VERSION. "Neurotic Inanimates" is an analysis of the psycho-pathology behind common objects that vex our lives. The present manuscript illustrates the development of the published book of the same name which in most instances is completely different. In our manuscript the typewritten introduction reads: "They're after us all the time, the NEUROTIC INANIMATES. Rebelling against the very humans who brought them into being, today's telephones, toasters, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, light switches and zippers have their own sly ways of getting at us. Sometimes passively resistant. Often openly hostile, they wage a constant war on nerves. Quietly and systematically they're taking over the world. A sick bunch, maybe but they're going to get us if we don't watch out!" The published edition expands on the ideas which began in the manuscript but is illustrated with *photographs* (to which were added simple line drawings). Notably, the authors have assigned genders to some of the objects, satirizing both males and female stereotypes in the "Mad Men" era. These man-made objects are sick and twisted, positively determined to cause us as much trouble as possible. The names of the objects could have been taken from the work of Edward Gorey: "The Possessive Toaster" (similar to the published version), "The Frigid Ironing Board" (similar), "The Hostile Hoe" (not in the published version), "The Manic Can Opener" (completely different), "The Masochistic Egg" (similar) "The Escapist Earring" (not in the published version), "The Folding Chair" (completely different), "The Schizoid Ketchup Bottle" (completely different), "The Deviate Zipper" (similar), "The Capricious Golf Ball" (different), "The Over-Confident Coffee Key" (not in the published version). Following the original illustrations are written the names of eight objects of potential interest: coat hanger, road map, washing machine, car ashtray, closet-full (sic), match, fill paper wastebasket (sic), and picture frames. In the published version only the coat hanger was described. Jean (Jones) Kinney and her husband Cle resided in Connecticut; Jean was a marketing executive, Cle (1915-2001) an art director. "Neurotic Inanimates" is one of many books they published in the 1960s and early 1970s, but none like this one.…
Seller Inventory # 3867
Bibliographic details
- Title
- [ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT]. Neurotic Inanimates. WITH: a copy of the printed book of the same name
- Author
- [Jean Jones Kinney and Cle Kinney]
- Publisher
- Richards Rosen Press (published version), New York
- Publication year
- 1964
- Condition
- Very good
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Edition
- First Edition.
- Seller catalogs
- Dallas Book Fair 2026, Manuscripts, Popular Culture
Michael Laird Rare Books LLC
Lockhart, TX, U.S.A.
Shipping rates within U.S.A.
| Item | 5 to 14 business days | 3 to 10 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$Â 8.00 | US$Â 25.00 |
Payment methods
- Bank Draft
- Bank Wire Transfer
- Check
- Invoice
- Paypal
Store description
By appointment.
Specialty
Fine Bindings, Illustrated Books, Science, Medicine, Medieval Manuscripts, Curiosa, Documents and Ephemera, Incunabula, Bibliography, Natural HistoryAssociation member
Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.Seller's business information
Michael Laird Rare Books LLC
TX, U.S.A.
Terms of sale
We welcome customer inquiries by e-mail or telephone. We accept Visa and Mastercard. Order with confidence: we are professional rare book dealers and rare book appraisers with 20 years experience in the antiquarian book trade. We collate every book we buy, and we stand behind everything we sell.
Shipping terms
We tend to over-pack our shipments so that the materials arrive in the same excellent condition as when we initially acquired them. Our orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB (1 KG). If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required. Please contact us with any questions.