THE VERMONT NOTEBOOK - INSCRIBED TO ELIZABETH SIFTON
Los Angeles: Black Sparrow Press, 1975. First Edition. A nice association copy of Ashbery's 1975 experimental book-length poem, often overlooked in favor of his critically-acclaimed Self-Portrait in a Convex Mirror published the same year. Sifton (1939-2019) was Ashbery's long-time editor, who also co-published Selected Poems and April Galleons with Viking Press, and Three Poems with Penguin Books. A difficult title to find for years, until it was published by Granary Books in 2001, and included in the Library of America's volume of Ashbery's work. Kermani A21a; Morrow & Cooney 207a. Item #6584
First Printing, wrappered issue. Octavo (22.75cm); original pictorial card wrappers; [6],7-101,[7]pp; illus. Inscribed on the title page to Ashbery's editor, Elizabeth Sifton: "For Elizabeth / fondly / John Ashbery." Subtle toning to wrapper extremities, mild surface wear and a few scuffs to wrappers, with a faint, tiny stain to lower edge of textblock; fresh internally; Very Good+.
Price: $600.00