Denis Johnson Signed Dia Center Poetry Reading Program 1999

Description

From the fall of 1987 through the Spring of 2003, over one hundred poets read in Dia’s Readings in Contemporary Poetry series, coordinated by Brighde Mullins. These readings included historic literary events, such as James Schuyler’s first public reading. This publication was issued for a joint reading by Denis Johnson and Jean Valentine at the Dia Center in March of 1999. The overall design reflects Dia’s restrained, typographic house style. Two broadsides are housed inside a single, folded leaf. The folded leaf includes author biographies and event details. The two separate poetry broadsides—Johnson’s “Our Sadness” and Valentine’s “Listening”—are laid-in and printed on substantial, lightly textured stock.

Acquired at the reading itself and signed by Denis Johnson, whose signed ephemeral material—especially poetry-related items—has become increasingly scarce. Unlike trade books, Dia reading programs were printed in small quantities. Any examples are uncommon; intact copies with clean folds and strong impressions are harder still. I can’t find any currently offered online, let alone signed by either poet.

A scarce, intimate piece of late-20th-century American poetry ephemera—especially compelling for Denis Johnson collectors who value context over mass-market publications.