THE SELECTED POEMS OF KENNETH PATCHEN (First edition - second printing) the dustwrapper states 'second edition' - with the signature of art critic Guy Brett

Kenneth Patchen

Published by New Directions, New York, 1946

About this Item

A second printing of the true first edition (the book was originally published in the USA by New Directions in 1946 - the dustwrapper of this copy states second edition). Published as No. 12 in the new classics series. ***Near fine in beige cloth-covered boards with red titles to the spine. The boards are beautifully clean and unmarked having been protected by the dustwrapper. No bumps. Corners sharp. No reading creases to the spine and no reading lean. Spine tight. Internally also near fine, with an attractive illustrated bookplate on the front pastedown covered by the flap of the dustwrapper (please see scans). The bookplate is from Sally Lou Jones. Additionally, there is a previous owner's name 'Guy Brett' unusually written on the printer's page - writer, critic and curator Guy Brett died in 2021, and the book was purchased online in 2023, so would have come from his library. ***'Guy Anthony Baliol Brett (1942-2021) was an English art critic, writer and curator. He was noted for a personal vision, particularly of cultural production of an experimental character. He is known for the promotion of Latin American artists, and for drawing attention to kinetic art during the 1960s in Europe and Latin America.' (Wiki) ***'Born in Yorkshire during the war years, Guy moved to London in the early 60s injecting a timely outsider perspective into the London art world?s closed off inner circles. Only 22 when he became the art critic for the Times, his independence of vision and broad knowledge of the field combined to produce an extensive stream of articulate and insightful articles and monographs about a wide range of modern and avant-garde artists.' (October Gallery) ***'Brett started out as a critic at the Times, where he worked from 1964 to 1975. During these years, he also co-founded the Signals Gallery in the West End in London. A short-lived experiment (1964-66), the gallery quickly became a centre connecting the artistic avant-gardes of Latin America, Europe and London.' (ArtReview) ***'Apart from some small light stains to the front and rear free endpapers, the interior pages are clean. No creases or tears. ***In a very good colour illustrated dustwrapper, that has not been price-clipped, retaining the original publisher's printed price of $1.50. The dustwrapper is very fragile but this example is virtually complete, with just very small loss at the top of the spine, and some nicks and creases to the top edges. No significant chips or tears. No fading. ***86 pages. 184mm x 125mm. ***'Kenneth Patchen (December 13, 1911 - January 8, 1972) was an American poet and novelist. He experimented with different forms of writing and incorporated painting, drawing, and jazz music into his works, which have been compared with those of William Blake and Walt Whitman. Patchen's biographer wrote that he "developed in his fabulous fables, love poems, and picture poems a deep yet modern mythology that conveys a sense of compassionate wonder amidst the world's violence." Along with his friend and peer Kenneth Rexroth, he was a central influence on the San Francisco Renaissance and the Beat Generation.' (Wiki) ***A near fine copy of this important American poet's "Selected Poems" in a very good original dustwrapper - uncommon and especially difficult to find in the UK. With the added interest of art critic Guy Brett's signature. ***For all our books, postage is charged at cost, allowing for packaging: any shipping rates indicated on ABE are an average only: we will reduce the P & P charge where appropriate - please contact us for postal rates for heavier books and sets etc.

Seller Inventory # 8674

Bibliographic Details

• Title: THE SELECTED POEMS OF KENNETH PATCHEN (First edition - second printing) the dustwrapper states 'second edition' - with the signature of art critic Guy Brett
• Publisher: New Directions, New York
• Publication Date: 1946
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Dustwrapper design by Lustig
• Edition: First Edition
• Printing: Second Printing
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • First Editions
  • Beat Writers & Counter Culture
  • Wartime & Post War Publishing 1939-1950