"A" 1-12, Louis Zukofsky — 1st Edition

Name: "A" 1-12, Louis Zukofsky — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6874
Price: 61.80 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Jonathan Cape, 1966

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 267, [5].

Condition Report: Very Good. The book is securely bound in its original blue boards, featuring a tight and uncompromised text block that exhibits no lean. The hinges remain robust, and the boards show only the most minor shelf-wear to the extremities. Internally, the pages are notably clean, bright, and completely free from foxing, displaying only a trace of mild, uniform age-toning to the margins of the paper stock, which is entirely standard for this mid-century period. The original dust jacket remains present and structurally sound; it displays some light surface scuffing, minor edge-wear, and gentle age-toning to the lighter areas of the spine and rear panel, yet it retains its striking visual appeal and presents as a handsome, highly collectible copy.

Catalogue Note: Originally printed in an extremely restricted run of just 200 copies in Kyoto, Japan, in 1959 by Origin Press, this Jonathan Cape publication marks the first accessible trade edition and the true first British appearance of the work. The text was printed in Great Britain by Lowe and Brydone, utilising paper manufactured by John Dickinson and Co., and bound by A. W. Bain and Co.

This edition is particularly notable for its distinctive abstract dust jacket design, which perfectly encapsulates the avant-garde sensibilities of the Objectivist movement. Copies of this UK first trade edition have become increasingly uncommon on the open market, particularly when retaining their original dust jackets in such unaltered, complete condition, making it a highly desirable acquisition for serious collectors of Modernist poetry.

A cornerstone of American modernist literature, "A" is Louis Zukofsky's ambitious, lifelong poetic epic. Frequently discussed alongside the monumental works of his contemporaries Ezra Pound and William Carlos Williams, this deeply autobiographical poem weaves intricate threads of personal history, political philosophy, and aesthetic theory. Encompassing the first twelve movements of his masterwork, this volume highlights Zukofsky's uncompromising linguistic experimentation and his dedication to Objectivist principles of sincerity and clarity, ultimately securing his legacy as one of the most innovative and quietly influential poets of the twentieth century.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Louis Zukofsky

Book Publisher: Jonathan Cape

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Poetry

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 267

Book Publication Year: 1966

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.