The Movie: Barfly
Santa Rosa: Black Sparrow Press, 1987.
First edition, signed limited issue. A bibliographical oddity with an original acrylic painting by Charles Bukowski tipped in at the front free endpaper, though not called for. Conforms to Krumhansl 103c: hardcover, numbered and signed issue, this being number 35 of a limited 400 copies. Neither Krumhansl nor Debritto mention an issue with an original painting tipped in. This copy was purchased from Beyond Baroque Books in Hollywood, CA, where founder and owner Sholom "Red" Stodolsky's commitment to promoting a renaissance in American literature attracted customers and friendships with authors such as Bukowski and Henry Miller. Red is immortalized in Bukowski's poem "Red" (1989) and in his final novel Pulp (1994). The book's former owner, who used to frequent Beyond Baroque Books, has conveyed to us that Bukowski gave Red paintings, which is how this copy ended up like this. It is not known who tipped in the painting, though it was not issued by Black Sparrow Press with it. Bound in publisher's paper-covered boards over dark blue spine cloth with paper title label. Near Fine with light wear, in publisher's unprinted acetate jacket, slightly clouded and lightly rubbed. A great copy with an interesting backstory that hearkens back to one of Bukowski's old haunts.
Price: $3,500