Kenneth Patchen — Before the Brave — First Edition (1936, Random House)

Description

Before the Brave marked the formal literary debut of Kenneth Patchen, launching one of the most inventive and emotionally fearless careers in American poetry. Published by Random House when Patchen was just 25 years old, the collection introduced readers to his vivid, often radical voice — a potent mix of lyrical intensity, political outrage, and mystical wonder. Before the Brave is deeply rooted in the America of its time, shaped by the disillusionment of the Great Depression and the looming threat of world conflict. Even in his earliest poems, Patchen’s refusal to separate personal feeling from public conscience is unmistakable, setting the stage for his lifelong experiments in form and subject matter. This volume stands as the foundational text for understanding Patchen’s uncompromising literary path.

Printed in a small edition of only 2,000 copies, Before the Brave remains one of the scarcest of Patchen’s major works. Surviving examples are rarely found in collectible condition, as the bright red cloth and frail dust jacket have not weathered the decades well. This particular copy carries a fascinating artifact: a handmade dust jacket created by a previous owner, a careful reproduction of the original Random House design. It speaks to the reverence readers have long held for Patchen’s work — treating it with a kind of devotional, almost underground loyalty. A slight fading to the spine and modest handling wear are present, as expected, but overall the book remains firm and attractive. An essential piece for serious Patchen collectors or any collector of pre-war American poetry.

A rare survivor of Patchen’s groundbreaking 1936 debut — fierce, heartfelt, and fairly scarce in any condition.