Inscribed first edition of Barrett Watten's rare first book (one of just 75 copies) that helped launch L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E poetry.
Near fine.
Price: $850.00
"I've been influenced by every book Barrett Watten ever wrote, including RADIO DAY IN SOMA CITY." — Ron Silliman
Self-published and printed by Watten while still a student at the University of Iowa Writer's Workshop, RADIO DAY IN SOMA CITY appeared the same year Watten's THIS MAGAZINE, in which fellow-editor Robert Grenier wrote the words that created the philosophical underpinnings of the L=A=N=G=U=A=G=E movement: "I HATE SPEECH." Inscribed on the colophon "For Darrell," likely Darrell Gray, publisher of the Iowa City mimeo SUCTION and "chief spokesperson" of the Iowa City Actualism scene. Rare. Only the second copy of this title we've seen or handled in almost two decades of looking. OCLC located just four holdings, with only two in the U.S. An important debut.
Read more: Ron Silliman, in Poet's Book-Shelf: Contemporary Poets on Books that Shaped Their Art, 163.
[Iowa City, IA]: n.p, (1971). 6.5'' x 5.5''. Original stapled pictorial wraps. [32 pages]. One of 75 numbered copies, this #5. Additionally inscribed on the colophon: "For Darrell / Barry Watten." Mild toning overall. A few spots of rubbing and soil. Faint sticker shadow to front cover. Else sharp and clean.
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