ORDERS OF THE RETINA: POEMS - INSCRIBED TO SAMUEL DELANY & FRANK ROMEO
West Branch, IA: The Toothpaste Press, 1982. First, Limited Edition. Slim collection of 37 poems by Hugo Award-winning author Thomas Disch (1940-2008), inscribed to Samuel Delany and his partner Frank Romeo. Disch and Delany were long-time friends and collaborators, writing repeatedly on each other's work (The American Shore, Delany's 1978 book of meditations on Disch's story "Angouleme" comes to mind). In a true mark of the depth of their friendship, Disch dedicated his poem "The Childhood of Language" on p.16 to Delany and his daughter Iva. Provenance: Through the trade, from the collection of Burton Weiss, whose neat penciled notes appear at upper front endpaper. Item #5051
Wrappered Issue, one of 1,050 copies. Octavo (19.75cm); letterpress-printed wrappers; [8],9-45,[3]pp. Inscribed by Disch to Samuel Delany and his long-time romantic partner Frank Romeo on the title page, next to a small drawing: "For Frank + Chip - Here you, still one! / Love, Tom." Gentle sunning to spine, else Near Fine.
Price: $450.00