THE EMPIRE OF SUMMER

Birmingham [AL]: Thunder City Press, 1981. First Edition. wraps. Some rubbing and fading to the front cover. Very Good. Pictorial wraps. One of 300 copies of the poet's third book, preceding his first trade book, TURTLE, SWAN, by 6 years. In fact, Doty co-wrote several books with his then-wife, Ruth, before his first trade book was published. SIGNED by Doty on the title page and dated soon after publication: 1/25/82. In addition, Doty has INSCRIBED the half-title page, nearly filling it: "for Paul/w nostalgia/for summer monarchy/in the middle of the/winter of generalized/discontent,/having had enough/(but not quite -- still/hoping)--/with love,/cookies,/and furniture,/Mark."