Between the Covers

Unbound. Proof sheets. Two sheets, each measuring 11½" x 17½", printed rectos only. Very good with some creasing at the edges and light evidence of pencil erasure in top right corners of each sheet.

Robert A. Wilson's legendary Phoenix Bookshop published Baraka's chapbook in 1979 in an edition of 100 numbered and 26 lettered copies in sewn wrappers, all signed. The book measured approximately 5½" x 7½". These two proof sheets print the poem in its entirety, and there appear to be no textual differences from the published work. However, there are three differences in the chapbook's design: here the copyright and limitation statements are printed on the same page, following the title page (in the published book the copyright page showed the date only, and the limitation statement followed the poem); the half-title leaf that would be in the published work is not present here (whether that denotes the existence of a third proof sheet, we are unsure); and the printing of two possible designs for the title and poet's name on the title page (one with the title in bold, which they went with).

An interesting proof state of what has become an uncommon and desirable little book; nearly half of the run is held institutionally, and at the time of cataloging we note no copies in the trade.

Item #613747