Poems

New York: The Limited Editions Club LEC, 1988. Book. Illus. by Willem de Kooning. Fine. Hardcover. Signed by Author(s). 1st Edition. Bound in black Nigerian goatskin. Covers stamped in 22 karat gold leaf. The book is set in a black fabric covered and lined clamshell case with gilt-lettered leather spine label. This is copy 57 of a limited edition of 550 copies with Willem de Kooning's facsimile, authorized signature taken from the handsigned Bon a Tirer proof. Contains 17 original lithographs by Willem de Kooning. The lithographs were originally created in 1967 as charcoal drawings on mylar sheets, to illustrate O'Hara's 'Ode to Willem de Kooning'. Only three of De Kooning's drawings were used in the MOMA publication. In this LEC publication the complete original suite of 17 drawings were printed for the first time to illustrate the Club's edition of the O'Hara poems. They are accompanied by thirteen poems by O'Hara. The text was set in English Monotype Bodoni at Golgonooza Letterfoundry and printed at Wild Carrot Letterpress on Magnani paper. The charcoal drawings were transferred from the film to lithographic plates at American Atelier by Benjamin Shiff and printed at Trestle Editions on Japanese Kitakata. The prints were hand-torn and applied with intaglio presses to the text page at Wingate Studio and Renaissance Press. The book was designed and edited by Benjamin Shiff. Introduction by Riva Castleman. Elephant folio, 22,5 x 17,5 inches. No LEC letter. Clamshell case is in fine condition with only the slightest bump to corner. Book and lithographs are in mint condition. Google 'Ceebe100' to watch a video of this book. Will require extra postage due to weight and value..