Breathing of First Things

Sobiloff, Hy

Published by The Dial Press, New York, New York, U.S.A., 1963

About this Item

This collection of the poems of Hy Sobiloff has an introduction by James Wright. "In his latest volume of poetry, the poet speaks with the freshness of view and awe of a child with eyes looking out on the world for the first time." On the half-title page the book is inscribed "8/10/69 [indecipherable place name, possibly Montauk] You found the place a moon between two trees Sincerely, Hy". While creating this listing I found a 2nd inscription, upside down on the last internal page. It reads "Sara the light is in my eyes Sincerely 9/2/63 Montauk P." One can imagine the poet grabbing a copy of his new book, starting to sign it, and realizing a terrible mistake. Six years later, the same copy is taken and signed for another occasion, without realizing its history. The book is worn and faded. Binding is tight and pages are clear and unmarked except for the signature and a past owner's name written in ink on the front end paper. Cover has a 6cm. tear in front lower corner. Back cover has had the author photo torn from the inner flap with a strip going halfway across the back missing, and a continued tear that leaves a top flap loose. The photo is loose and present, but any repair would still leave a portion of the back missing. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall.

Seller Inventory # 006781

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Breathing of First Things
• Publisher: The Dial Press, New York, New York, U.S.A.
• Publication Date: 1963
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition.
• Condition: Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Fair
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)