INVENTION - INSCRIBED TO TOM CLARK, WITH A TYPED LETTER LAID IN
New York: The Kulchur Foundation, 1985. First Edition. A warm association copy from Waldman to poet Tom Clark (1941-2018), a long-time friend and collaborator. The book is accompanied by a dense and revelatory letter in which she expresses her displeasure over Lita Hornick's handling of this publication. "Alas there are so many gaffs in this, Lita's fault in wanting to play editor, she decided to re-match drawings & poems (that we had worked on collaboratively!). The second set of proofs were perfect, and she read them! She hasn't been well, and on a lot of "medication" and alcohol. I've just written the second of two intense letters demanding that she reprint the book, we'll see. There are obvious mis-matchings...But I'd like to hear what you make of the book. Joe Brainard says let it go, Ron advises an errata sheet (but it would run to 2 pages), if she won't reprint I'd like it suppressed...What a drag. There are literally 23 pages off." She goes on to share details of her upcoming publications, trips to Bhopal, India and West Point, and the goings-on of various faculty members at Naropa. Item #5820
First Printing, wrappered issue. Quarto (25.5cm); pictorial card wrappers; [ii],[6],7-129,[1]pp, with black & white illustrations throughout by Susan Hall. Inscribed on the title page to poet Tom Clark: "For Tom Clark / "Scattered Bounty" / With love / Anne Waldman / May 1985." Waldman has additionally modified the title ("Invention, a muddle") and publisher's name ("The Kulchur Menace") in ink. Trivial wear, else a Fine copy.
With a one-page TLS to Clark laid in. Typed letter on white bond (measuring 8.5" x 11"), dated May 28, 1985; 43 lines (412 words), signed "Anne" in black ink. Horizontal fold at center, else Near Fine.
Price: $750.00