Barfly: The Continuing Saga of Henry Chinaski
Sutton West & Santa Barbara: The Paget Press, 1984.
First edition, first printing, wrappered issue. A fantastic association copy, signed by Charles Bukowski on the title page and inscribed, "For Sean Penn and Madonna / Hank / Charles Bukowski." Bound in publisher's black stiff wrappers printed in yellow, red and blue. 161 pp. Near Fine with light edge wear, light sunning to spine and faint foxing to top edge of textblock. Small area of bleeding to front free endpaper and half-title page. A fantastic association copy of Bukowski's script commissioned by director Barbet Schroeder, starring Mickey Rourke and Faye Dunaway. Inscribed to the writer's long-time friend, actor and film director, Sean Penn and his then-wife Madonna. In a December 8, 1992 letter to Theresa Leo, Bukowski explains the predicament he found himself prior to Schroeder's filming of Barfly, "I preferred Sean Penn to Mickey Rourke. Sean was willing to work (do the whole thing) for a dollar but he wanted his own director, Dennis Hopper and I had to stick with Barbet Schroeder, so that didn't work out. Sean, at least, drinks. Mickey doesn't. And Sean is a far better actor. But I had very little input once the film got going. Some of the scenes didn't fit the reality enough, others worked. But to hell with the writer, it's just his baby." (Reach for the Sun, 264-265 pp.) From the estate of Dennis Hopper (1936-2000). Krumhansl 90a.
Price: $4,500