Nine-Headed Dragon River: Zen Journals 1969-1982

Shambhala, 1986. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Fine/Fine. Inscribed by Matthiessen: To Antonia Gale Moss and Cuthbert Thambimuttu, Peter Matthiessen, Sagaponack, NY, Nov. 15/2005. What makes this book notable is that laid in is an amusing and revealing series of letters from Thambimuttu to Matthiessen with Matthiessens handwritten notes and signature in each case in reply. Cuthbert was a dogged collector (to say the least), and apparently hed sent books more than once to Matthiessen for inscriptions. Matthiessen begins to lose his cool. In the first letter, dated November 8, 2009, Cuthbert writes, "Thank you very much for having agreed to sign my copies of your books." Matthiessen replies, "Many times are you a dealer?* . *Even if youre not, please make this the last shipment too many! Youve imposed If any more books come, I shall simply keep them." On November 28, Cuthbert begins his response: "I am embarrassed that I had imposed on you. I try not to be presumptuous." But really hes only partly chagrined. Matthiessen writes in return: "Dear Mr. Thambimuttu, Sorry you caught me or rather, the bushel of books caught me at a bad time. But in the future, please limit the books (strictly) to your own collection. I dont wish to be ungenerous Im just a bit overwhelmed Sincerely, Peter M." Cuthbert did not give up. The third and final request letter, with Matthiessens notes in reply, is dated four years later in 2009. Also included are two envelopes addressed to Thambimuttu in Matthiessens hand. An interesting glimpse into the passion of collectors and the stress they can create for authors. Considering this book is Matthiessens Zen journals, his response is humorously un-Zen, before softening. Please inquire for photos.