“HILARIOUS, CHILLING, SEXY, PROFOUND, MANIACAL, BEAUTIFUL AND OUTRAGEOUS” (THOMAS PYNCHON)

FARIÑA, Richard. Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me. New York: Random House, (1966). Octavo, original half green cloth, original dust jacket. $650.

First edition of the author and songwriter’s first novel, warmly praised by his friend Thomas Pynchon, the only novel published in Fariña’s lifetime.

Richard Fariña's close friend Thomas Pynchon enthusiastically endorsed this novel: "It's been a while since I've read anything quite so groovy, quite such a joy from beginning to end. This book comes on like the Hallelujah Chorus done by 200 kazoo players with perfect pitch… In spinning his yarn he spins the reader as well, dizzily into a microcosm that manages to be hilarious, chilling, sexy, profound, maniacal, beautiful and outrageous all at the same time." A respected singer-songwriter as well as author, Fariña dedicated the novel to his wife Mimi, sister of Joan Baez. Tragically, he died in a motorcycle accident on his way to the publication party. With "First Printing" on copyright page.

Book with faint discoloration to rear board and rear pastedown; bright dust jacket with only a few minor smudges. A near-fine copy.