It’s been a month of poetic rarities, visual wonders, and all sorts of weird stuff—books and ephemera that blur the line between object and artifact. I’ve been working hard getting my stuff researched, photographed and catalogued.
Here are five standouts that made me pause, marvel, and (maybe) even think, I can’t believe this is still available. But hey, I bought them in the first place…so yea. I’m slightly biased.
1. Yvan Goll & Fernand Léger – Les Cercles Magiques (1951)
A surrealist collaboration between poet Yvan Goll and modernist painter Fernand Léger, this limited edition (one of 750) is a visual and literary gem. How about that cover? It might be my most very favorite thing I’ve listed this year. In fact, it is. Maybe I shouldn’t sell it? Léger’s six illustrations dance alongside Goll’s poetic circles, creating a harmonious interplay of text and image. That cover! Printed in Paris and entirely in French, this is one of those rare pieces that feels like holding an exhibit in your hands. Did I mention that cover?! A must-have for collectors of avant-garde literature and fine press art books. Tu parles français ? Il ne faut jamais juger un livre à sa couverture.
2. Robert Creeley – A Day Book (1972)
This unpaginated, abstract collection of poetry and journal fragments captures Creeley at his most meditative and experimental. Issued by Scribner’s with a cover by pop artist Robert Indiana, A Day Book isn’t just a poetic document—it’s a visual one. It reflects a moment when poetry refused categorization and leaned hard into thought, rhythm, and introspection. For fans of the Black Mountain poets, this one doesn’t show up often in collectible condition. And with the glassine jacket! WOOT.
3. Amphora 8 (1972) – Featuring Bukowski, Norse, and More
I kinda miss going to Hal’s old place on Albion and listening to him complain about his car insurance. And no, he never tried to hit on me. But he did tell me some great stories.
4. Sing Out! Folk Music ‘zines Featuring Woody Guthrie
A lot of early Sing Out! issues featuring contributions and appearances by Woody Guthrie—including his lyrics, columns, and artwork. These magazines weren’t just publications; they were community / communist (?) manifestos. Founded in the aftermath of the Almanac Singers and fueled by the folk revival, Sing Out! was a hub for voices like Pete Seeger, Lead Belly, and of course, Guthrie. Betcha Dylan read them, too.
5. Kenneth Patchen – The Best Hope (1968 Poem-Postcard)
One of Patchen’s evocative poem-paintings reproduced as a postcard and issued by Leslie Tobin Imports in 1968. Hand-lettered in Patchen’s unmistakable style, the text reads: “The best hope is that one of these days the ground will get disgusted enough just to walk away…” A short burst of poetic despair, rendered with quiet grace. I’ve been paying attention to Patchen stuff for years. I haven’t seen many of these Leslie Tobin Poem-Post Cards…ever.
