Burke, James Lee

HACK: A SHORT STORY - ORIGINAL THERMOFAXED TYPESCRIPT DRAFT, INSCRIBED [WITH] QUARTERLY WEST - NO.10 (WINTER/SPRING, 1980) - SIGNED

[N.p. S.i., Undated, but ca.late 1970s]. First Edition. Item #7229

Original thermofaxed draft typescript on 8.5" x 11" thermal copy paper; 22pp (rectos) plus the title leaf, which has been inscribed by Burke in felt-tipped pen: "To Dick and Sue / I would much prefer giving you a published copy of this story, but alas the dirty turds keep rejecting it / However, I think you might like it / Jim." Three holograph corrections to the text (in copy); mild handling, some aging to text (chiefly to first 7 leaves), else very well preserved.

Offered together with the Winter/Spring, 1980 issue of the University of Utah's literary journal, Quarterly West, in which Burke's story was ultimately published under the title "Hack." Octavo (23cm); original pictorial card wrappers; [4],5-131,[9]pp. Signed by Burke at the upper margin of p.15, at the beginning of his contribution. Modest wear, a little rubbing to rear wrapper, with a tiny tear to upper front joint; about Near Fine.

Draft typescript of this complete, early Burke story, featuring the first appearance of one of his recurring characters, Hackberry Holland. The story, set in Texas, is centered around the titular character, an aging Texas Ranger in the twilight of his life, grappling with the realities of old age while reminiscing about life in his prime. Burke was born in Houston, and his family has deep roots in both Texas and Louisiana – regions which he has written about for over five decades. Typescript material by Burke appears very infrequently in commerce, with this being the earliest example we've seen or handled.

Price: $2,750.00