Beschreibung:

Lot of 10 books by James Purdy plus one book of essays about Purdy. One of the most influential writers of the second half of the twentieth century avant garde, Purdy signed most of these to his friend, Darrell Herron, both paper and hardbound versions. Since Purdy's death in 2009, he is becoming increasingly collectible, as a new generation rediscovers his vernacular style and somewhat dark view of society. This group is a good start on Purdy's early writings. Purdy, James. 63: Dream Palace. New York: The William-Frederick-Press, 1956. 8vo, printed paper wraps. _______ Color of Darkness. A New Directions Book, 1957, 1956. Second edition of 63: Dream Palace with some added material, and dedicated to Dame Edith Sitwell. 8vo, w/dj. This copy inscribed and signed on ffep: For Darrell with sincere friendship and all good wishes / from Jim / James Purdy / April 18, 1958. With advertising card and newsprint review from stage production of “Color of Darkness.” Minor scuffing and toning of dj. ______. Malcolm. New York: Farrar, Straus & Cudahy, 1959. 8vo with dj. Inscribed and signed: James Purdy / For Darrell with love from Jaime / September 24, 1959. With envelope of newsprint articles about the stage production of “Malcolm.” Minor fading of dj. _______. The Nephew. New York: Farrar, Straus & Cudahy, 1960, first printing stated. 8vo, w/dj. Inscribed and signed: For Darrell, with love and friendship / James / James Purdy / August 30, 1960. Some wear and toning to dj. Slight sunning at very bottom of spine. _____. Children is All. New York: New Directions, 1961. 8vo, paper. Inscribed and signed on tp in red ink, For Darrell with love / Jim and James Purdy under printed name. Minor toning of spine. ______. Cabot Wright Begins. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1964, stated first printing. 8vo, w/dj. Some toning and scuffing of dj. Small piece of dj missing from foot of spine. Minor shelfwear to boards. _______.An Oyster is a Wealthy Beast. Black Sparrow Press, 1967. Obl. 8vo sewn in printed wraps. Inscribed and signed (twice), For Darrell / With love / from / Jim / James Purdy. Limitation page in back, also signed, indicates that This edition is limited to two hundred and fifty copies; fifty copies numbered 1-50 bound in boards, each hand-illustrated by the author, and two hundred copies numbered 51-250 sewn in wrappers, all signed by the author. This copy No. 191. Slight toning of wraps. ______. Eustace Chisholm and the Works. New York: Bantam, 1967. 12mo paperback. Inscribed and signed on inside cover and signed again on first page of ads: From Jim To Darrell with love / James Purdy. Moderate toning of pages. Spine not broken. _______. I am Elijah Thrush. New York: Bantam, 1972. 12mo paperback. Minor toning of pages. The Literary Guild of America, Inc. Works in Progress. New York: Literary Guild, 1970, number 1. With Purdy short story. Schwarzschild, Bettina. The Not-Right House: Essays on James Purdy. Columbia (MO): University of Missouri Press, 1968. 8vo, printed paper covers. Very minor toning of covers.