Who Knows What Constitutes A Life

Calais, VT: Z Press. Fine. 1999. Limited Edition. Softcover. A single poem, oblique and confounding, perhaps meant to evoke a vision or dream, rather than a literal interpretation. This is one of John Ashbery's lesser-known individual poems. Ashbery (1927-2017) was poet laureate of New York State, 2001-2003, and the only poet to win The Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award, all for a single book. Tipped in, facing the poem, is a polychrome reproduction of a linocut print by artist Elizabeth Murray. The image is colorful and cartoonish, softening the oblique nature of the poem. Painter and printmaker, Murray (1940-2007) is represented in major institutional collections and was a champion of women artists. Number three in a series of author/artist collaborations designed by Z Press founder and publisher Kenward Elmslie and C. W. Swets. Swets was a printing assistant and companion of Elmslie, and a noted printer and publisher in his own right. This is one of a limited edition of 200 copies. Set in Bembo type. Wraps are Fabriano mould made paper and pages are Zerkall mould made paper. Printed by The Grenfell Press, New York, NY. Saddle-stitched into mould made, French flapped, light green wraps over mould made, blue-gray stiff covers. Ruled, white title label to front. Provenance: From the library and estate of Kenward Elmslie, prolific poet associated with the New York School of poetry, editor, performer, and founder of Z Magazine and Z press. In clean, sharp, and Fine condition.; Color Illustrations; Large 8vo 9" - 10" tall; 8 pages .