REANEY, James and Jack Chambers.
The Dance of Death at London, Ontario.
Alphabet Press, London: 1963
- $206
Signed and dated 1964 by Reaney. Tall 8vo., orig. pictorial wrappers, 32pp. With illustrations by Jack Chambers. Some browning to spine and perimeter of wrappers but still a near fine copy of an uncommon publication. This is the first publication from Alphabet Press and the blurb on the rear wrapper states that it 'represents a collaboration between an artist and a poet that is rare and unusual. The poet's idea for this chapbook came from an old German book called The Dance of Death at Basle. This "totentanz" book was not the only imetus though, for it was only after seeing some burdocks in an old graveyard at the edge of the city that the book really began to get going.' Reaney was the editor of the literary magazine, Alphabet, and Chambers was a painter whose work was exhibited at the Isaacs Gallery in Toronto.
More from David Mason Books
Muskoka Memories.
Sm.8vo., orig. pictorial wrappers, (36)pp. A previous owner, one Eleanor Carson of Bala, has annotated this work (and has added poems of her own), and has also listed the names of other women, who do not have poems published in the work so it is unclear just how they are associated with the booklet or the The Wishing Well Memorial. It appears this little booklet of poetry by various people (one assumes residents of Muskoka, though not exclusively) was published to raise money for the Wishing Well Fund. 12 pages near the rear list those who gave their lives in service 1939-1945 and are to be named on the 'Wishing Well Memorial.' It also states that further contributions from the Wishing Well will be used to assist veterans confined to hospital. Promotional booklet issued by Seal Books, which contains two short pieces by Atwood: Writing Oryx and Crake, and The Handmaid’s Tale: From Novel to Opera.
Sm. 8vo., glossy paper wrappers, 12pp and 8pp. Near fine. The booklet has been printed so that one turns the booklet around to read the pieces-- that is the text of the pieces runs from the beginning of each wrapper respectively. There are questions 'For Discussion' at the end of each piece, indicating that this was done as a giveaway to be used for bookclubs.
The Blue Propeller.
First edition, wrapper issue. Signed by Layton on the e/paper. With poems printed on 12 pages of different coloured paper, not present in all copies of the hardcover issue. Sm. square 8vo., orig. plain stiff wrappers, A fine copy of a scarce issue in the d/w which folds over the wrappers. The d/w has some slight darkening on the spine with a bit of wear to the foot but o/w is near fine. .Pigs.Monkies.Crocodiles Three poems by Fabian Jennings. Drawings by Tony Urquhart.
First edition, 1 of 500 copies signed by the author and the illustrator. Folio, original wrappers held by a brown silk cord, with a drawing by Urquhart on the upper wrapper, (9)pp. With small drawings by Urquhart on each page. A fine copy. Christmas Morning. Taken from the Chapter, Christmas Day, in The Sketch-Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. By.
(POOLE HALL PRESS). IRVING, Washington. 1 of 95 copies. This copy is inscribed in pencil by Margaret and Bill Poole. Sm. square 8vo., orig. green wrappers lettered in red, (14)pp. With a frontispiece. Fine.- $49
- $49
The Cariboo Horses.
PURDY, Alfred. First edition, wrapper issue. With a lengthy presentation inscription from Purdy to Gerry Lampert (League of Canadian Poets) with an additional holograph note by Purdy laid in. Wrappers a bit browned but o/w a near fine copy with an interesting association.- $225
- $225
Unearthing Suite.
ATWOOD, Margaret. First edition. 1 of 175 copies signed by the author. Tall 8vo., handbound by Michael Desjardins, cloth backed paper boards, printed spine label, Japanese Chiri endpapers. Two tiny spots on the upper board, black cloth spine a trifle faded but still an about fine copy without d/w, as issued.- $375
- $375