John Martin
- Thread starter jordan
- Start date
When I was in Dallas earlier this summer, I got a remainder copy of, 'The Pleasures Of The Damed.(thank god, $7.00 as opposed to $30.00). Many reprints of poems from older collections, but also, many listed as 'uncollected'-(these are the ones I seek out). After the thread about editing,(just WHO made some/many of the editing choices), and seeing the GLARING differences between some originals and later printed poems; well, needless to say I am much more discerning in my judgement/evaluation of the posthumous writings. Quite frankly, I sorta' wish that I didn't 'know'.
Well, you can't edit from the grave, and one can only hope that the BEST is coming through. I mean, as far as I know Bukowski wrote his shit and then put it aside,(no carbons; closets and all that). But the question does remain,(at least in my own head), WOULD HE CARE? CRB:)
ROC
It is what it is
Judging by his previous reactions to Martins editing, yes. (See 'Women' first edition).
He was assiduous, thoughtful and thoroughly professional in regards his writing most of the time (as far as I can tell).
I would think he might be grateful for obvious error corrections. A lot less so for the seeming arbitrary changes imposed under the guise "editing".
In my 'innocence' I bought several posthumous publications, (just saying I wish I had invested my hard earned cash into some of his earlier writings; ) 'The People Look Like Flowres At Last', is /was quite shabbily produced as far as quality of paper/binding is concerned ).
Since joining the forum I have done some limited comparrison with previously published works, it all seems to mesh. But one cannot compare the work that is said to be previously unpublished/ uncollected...and so on.
I must say this whole discussion has really got me to thinking about how much of Bukowski's,(especially the posthumuus works published AFTER J. Martin left the scene), WERE changed/edited, and by whom? I mean, J.M. may have made changes/choices, but at least overall we know that he and Bukowski were friends/professional associates. With much of it there is nothing the reader can do but interpret and try to discern it for themselves. CRB:)
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Bukfan
"The law is wrong; I am right"
Well, after Martin stopped publishing himself, he still edited the posthumous books that Ecco released, but as far as the changes in some of the poems goes ("The Crunch" f.ex.), it's hard to say who made them and why. You've read the discussion here yourself, I guess. It's difficult and maybe impossible to reach a definite conclusion...
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planahea
RIP
The Black Sparrow Press
For those who may be only vaguely familiar with the output of John Martin's BLACK SPARROW PRESS, here are two partial lists from my personal collection. If memory serves me correctly, John published over 700 titles in the 36 year history of the press.
A few PAGET PRESS titles are also included. Take particular note of their Al Purdy limited edition of BIRD WATCHING AT THE EQUATER. It is one of the most beautifully produced trade books I have ever seen. I wish BSP had published it.
Long after Alfred Knopf, Roger Strauss and Bennett Cerf are forgotten, I believe John Martin will be remembered for his remarkable contribution as a publisher to American Arts & Letters.
For those who may be only vaguely familiar with the output of John Martin's BLACK SPARROW PRESS, here are two partial lists from my personal collection. If memory serves me correctly, John published over 700 titles in the 36 year history of the press.
A few PAGET PRESS titles are also included. Take particular note of their Al Purdy limited edition of BIRD WATCHING AT THE EQUATER. It is one of the most beautifully produced trade books I have ever seen. I wish BSP had published it.
Long after Alfred Knopf, Roger Strauss and Bennett Cerf are forgotten, I believe John Martin will be remembered for his remarkable contribution as a publisher to American Arts & Letters.
Gerard K H Love
Appreciate your friends
You sir, are what I'd call a heavy hitter. Good job on that. Some dedication was involved in putting that together. You could have made a seperate thread with all that.
planahea
RIP
Gerard K H Love,
At the risk of being thought of as a show off, here is how I maintain my book collection in very fine condition. There is also an opaque dark purple curtain which is pulled in front of the book shelves to protect the books from sunning or other radiant damage. All books shown, about 450 volumes, are Black Sparrow Press editions save a couple Paget Press Barfly editions. Oversize BSP books such as Horsemeat are keep in a separate location with other oversize books, e.g., the original Ansel Adams limited edition volume from the New York Graphic Society.
At the risk of being thought of as a show off, here is how I maintain my book collection in very fine condition. There is also an opaque dark purple curtain which is pulled in front of the book shelves to protect the books from sunning or other radiant damage. All books shown, about 450 volumes, are Black Sparrow Press editions save a couple Paget Press Barfly editions. Oversize BSP books such as Horsemeat are keep in a separate location with other oversize books, e.g., the original Ansel Adams limited edition volume from the New York Graphic Society.
:eek:
:cool:!!!
I thought I made myself clear there, but that is very impressive.
:cool:!!!
I thought I made myself clear there, but that is very impressive.
mjp
Founding member
At the risk of being thought an idiot, why do you shelve them horizontally?
I can see how that would prevent the lovely gravity sag some bindings get (the later, thick BSP books are especially prone to that), but you rarely see anyone go horizontal. I suppose because it makes access difficult. But it seems to make logical sense. I may start copying your method.
I can see how that would prevent the lovely gravity sag some bindings get (the later, thick BSP books are especially prone to that), but you rarely see anyone go horizontal. I suppose because it makes access difficult. But it seems to make logical sense. I may start copying your method.
chronic
old and in the way
I've always heard that stacking more than a few books on top of one another can damage the books. Damned if I can remember the reason now. For about 2 years I had a stack of about a dozen books and when I pulled them off of the shelf, half of them had bowed covers. I can't honestly say whether that was a result of stacking them or if something else caused it.
planahea
RIP
Many suppose that horizontal storing of stacked books leads to binding twists or sagging as mjp noted, but as long as the stacks height and weight is reasonable and books are not squeezed into a space no such damage occurs. Note how the adjustable shelf height is limited. Heat, light and moisture are the primary culprits that lead to mold, sunning and foxing. So dry, cool and dark storage is best if not essential. Further, horizontal storage eliminates shelf worn edges, and in my opinion reduces the likely hood of corner bumps and dust jacket tears. I don't care if it renders some books hard to access, once I enter a book in a printed and detailed inventory there is no need to touch it again except for a future sale. I read trade and mass market paperbacks almost exclusively. The exception is my current reading of Portions... in hardcover which I am thoroughly enjoying. That's why I purchased two hardcover copies. I read in Portions... material I haven't seen in almost fourty years, it's wonderful!
I did notice in a picture posted by Bill of BOS Press in another thread many BSP books that were horizontally stacked way to high for the health of the books, in my opinion. Perhaps he stacked them for the purpose of the picture.
I did notice in a picture posted by Bill of BOS Press in another thread many BSP books that were horizontally stacked way to high for the health of the books, in my opinion. Perhaps he stacked them for the purpose of the picture.
Thanks, Planahea. Makes sense to me. I've often considered pros and cons of the horizontal stack vs. the vertical, but I've never heard or figured out anything definitive.
If anyone else has another insight, please share.
If anyone else has another insight, please share.
bospress.net
www.bospress.net
Hi,
Yes, you are right. I had stacked those just to take the photo of the with the least amount of pictures. I put mine in my bookcase vertically, which could be tough on the corners, but for the fact that I seal mine in archival safe plastic. While this keeps them from having any moisture or scuffing problems, I hear some say that books need to breethe. PLUS, it makes me look like a psychotic book collector as I have thousands of volumes of little magazines all sealed in their cacoon of acid free/archival safe plastic.
Bill
planahea
RIP
Hi Bill,
To some we are a weird idiosyncratic bunch of crazy bibliophiles. When I pull back the heavy purple curtains (They are really 100 count cotton twin bedsheets hung from a series of suspended and adjustable shower rods.) to show some of my books, friends tell me they fell like applauding as if it's the opening of a Shakespearean play. They really hoot and holler when I tell them I "dust" the books with cans of compressed air. Of course, I sometimes clean my kitchen floor that way too. Just blow all bits & pieces under the refrigerator until another day. But they really laugh at me most because I only extend viewing privileges, but forbid them to touch the books. I know my friends too well!
I am seriously considering putting up calligraphy signs that read, "IF IT'S NOT YOURS, DON'T TOUCH IT." Many of my friends are real b***busters and yet very loyal, so I tolerate them. :)
Btw, that canned air cleaning also allows the books to breath fresh air not stale plastic air. You can almost hear them sigh. :D
Kindest,
Bill
To some we are a weird idiosyncratic bunch of crazy bibliophiles. When I pull back the heavy purple curtains (They are really 100 count cotton twin bedsheets hung from a series of suspended and adjustable shower rods.) to show some of my books, friends tell me they fell like applauding as if it's the opening of a Shakespearean play. They really hoot and holler when I tell them I "dust" the books with cans of compressed air. Of course, I sometimes clean my kitchen floor that way too. Just blow all bits & pieces under the refrigerator until another day. But they really laugh at me most because I only extend viewing privileges, but forbid them to touch the books. I know my friends too well!
I am seriously considering putting up calligraphy signs that read, "IF IT'S NOT YOURS, DON'T TOUCH IT." Many of my friends are real b***busters and yet very loyal, so I tolerate them. :)
Btw, that canned air cleaning also allows the books to breath fresh air not stale plastic air. You can almost hear them sigh. :D
Kindest,
Bill
Bukfan
"The law is wrong; I am right"
Wow! That's some collection of BSP books you've got, planahea! I've never seen anything like it. I'm sure not many people have that many BSP books. It's an awesome sight!
Do you have all the BSP books? It certainly looks that way!
Do you have all the BSP books? It certainly looks that way!
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planahea, my god! absolutly stunning! I can't blame your friends for wanting to touch them, but I understand, you must watch DROOL around published materials!:) I was getting ready to post about a small find of mine today, you put to shame. I'll tell anyway. Unloading a shipment at work this mornin'(Bookstore), I'm emptying out a box of assortments, and LO!-'Thus Spake The Corpse;an exquisite corpse reader-1988-1998, vols.1 &2. Paperback, mint condition, no remainder markings! $8.98 a piece, not inclucding my discount. I was totally geeked! Their not particularly rare, but they made me very happy just the same! Thank you so much for posting those pics., I think if that cupboard belonged to me, i'd have to kneel before it nightly. CRB:)
planahea
RIP
Bukfan,
BSP published about 700 books and other items, I have about 450 of them. Remember, sometimes there were four editions for a single new title.
What is not shown in the pix are the annual, New Years Greetings. I have all but one of those. I'm missing the very first one.
CRBSmile,
I explain to my friends that they are to treat my books as if they were my trophy wife, look but don't touch. I do allow drooling at a respectful distance.
Post away, it's all good stuff!
I pass a collection basket to all kneelers in front of my collection. :D
Bill
BSP published about 700 books and other items, I have about 450 of them. Remember, sometimes there were four editions for a single new title.
What is not shown in the pix are the annual, New Years Greetings. I have all but one of those. I'm missing the very first one.
CRBSmile,
I explain to my friends that they are to treat my books as if they were my trophy wife, look but don't touch. I do allow drooling at a respectful distance.
Post away, it's all good stuff!
I pass a collection basket to all kneelers in front of my collection. :D
Bill