Factotum

Santa Barbara: Black Sparrow Press, 1975. Limited Edition. Hardcover. Fine. One of 250 signed/numbered hardcover copies, octavo size, 209 pp., signed by Bukowski. Charles Bukowski (1920-1994) was "a prolific underground writer who used his poetry and prose to depict the depravity of urban life and the downtrodden in American society. A cult hero, Bukowski relied on experience, emotion, and imagination in his work, using direct language and violent and sexual imagery" (n.b., from the web site of the Poetry Foundation). As much as he achieved popular acclaim during his lifetime, his reputation and following have only increased after his death.

This volume, "Factotum" is Bukowski's second novel. "Set in the 1940s, the plot follows Henry Chinaski, Bukowski's perpetually unemployed, alcoholic alter ego, who has been rejected from the World War II draft and makes his way from one menial job to the next" (n.b., quote from Wiki).

___DESCRIPTION: Quarter bound in orange cloth over decorated tan paper boards, paper spine label with orange and brown lettering, orange endpapers, title page with a large brown decoration and author's name in red, signed at the colophon by Bukowski in black felt-tip, this number 26 of 250 signed/numbered copies (there were also 75 deluxe signed copies with artwork by Bukowski); octavo size (9.25" by 6.25"), pagination: [1-10] 11-205 [1, blank] [1, colophon, signed by Bukowski in black marker] [1, blank] [1, black and white photograph of Bukowski with bio].

___CONDITION: Fine overall, with clean boards, the spine not sunned (still bright orange), straight corners without rubbing, a strong, square text block with solid hinges, the interior is clean and bright, and entirely free of prior owner markings; a very shallow ding to the fore-edge of the front board near the top edge, else fine. Lacking the publisher's acetate wrapper, now covered with mylar for protection.

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