The Sixties Catalogue

T h e S I X T I E S 24 Presentation/Association Copy Inscribed By Ginsberg To Poet Laureate William Meredith And With His Characteristic Original Sketches Of A Sunflower And A Skull 22. GINSBERG, Allen. Kaddish and Other Poems, 1958-1960. San Francisco, 1961. Small octavo, original black and white paper wrappers, custom half morocco clamshell box. $2300. Click for more info First edition, first printing, of this significant collection of poems, a presentation association copy inscribed by Ginsberg to acclaimed poet (later Poet Laureate) William Meredith: “For William Meredith. January 18, 78. Allen Ginsburg,” with original sketches by Ginsberg including his characteristic “AH” inside a sunflower (referring to “Ah! Sun-flower” by William Blake) and a skull beneath a star of David with a flower growing out of it and crossbones beneath. After Howl (1956) won Ginsberg widespread attention, Kaddish and Other Poems “confirmed his reputation as a poet of idiosyncratic accomplishment and direct emotional appeal” (Stringer, 248-49). This copy is inscribed to Pulitzer Prize-winning poet William Meredith. Meredith occasionally criticized Ginsberg for his experimental inclinations, but the two poets ran in the same circles throughout their lives. Interior generally fine, only slightest rubbing and soiling to wrappers. A near-fine inscribed copy with wonderful provenance. “I’ve been up all night, talking, talking, reading the Kaddish aloud, listening to Ray Charles blues shout blind on the phonograph…”