Inscribed first printing of Levis's first poetry collection, one of the most important debuts of the 1970s.
Near fine in a near fine jacket.
Price: $2,000.00
"[A]n existentialist's litany of America's cruelty." — Steven M. Wilson
While Levis's WRECKING CREW is more overtly political than his later work, it forms the beginning of what was to become "a towering body of work by one of the great American poets of the 20th century" (Elisa Gabbert). In the years since his premature death at the age of just 49 in 1996, Levis's work has only grown in reputation and stature, and as such books signed by him remain uncommon, especially with so warm and revealing an inscription. The launch of a major poetic voice.
Read more: Wilson, "Larry Levis," Dictionary of Literary Biography; Gabbert, "He Died at 49. His Collected Poems Rank With the Best of the 20th Century," The New York Times, Feb. 4, 2026.
First edition. (Pittsburgh, PA): University of Pittsburgh Press, (1972). 8'' x 5.5''. Original full orange cloth. In original unclipped ($5.25) color pictorial jacket designed by Gary Gore. [8], 64 pages. Inscribed by Levis on the half-title: "For Joe, / These poems / written not far from / adolescence, &, / probably, they / show it. / Larry." Additionally signed by Levis on the title page. Some light toning, rubbing to jacket. Trace shelfwear here and there. Overall, clean and sharp.
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