Tanka Poems in Exile

Chicago: Covici-McGee Co, 1923. First edition. Hardcover. Mullberry Canson & Montgolfier hand made brown boards, black spine gold stamped. Very good. 61 pages. 19.5 x 14.5 cm. Limited edition, copy 212 of 365 printed by Will Ransom at his private press in garamond on San Marco Italian handmade paper. The authors first book by a Japanese American poet, photo-journalist, photographer and silent film actor. He was also the only photographer to document the aftermath of the famous St. Valentine's Day massacre. This copy inscribed "Charlotte -- I think you will like these poems of my friend. Jack" After contacting Fujita's grandnephew and biographer, Graham Lee, and based upon his research, "Jack" is Jack Oppenheim. "Charlotte" is likely Charlotte Foye. Both were at the University of Chicago together, and Jack interviewed the author for a University of Chicago student literary publication called "The Circle" (of which he was the editor) in 1923. Mr. Lee has written a biography of his great-uncle scheduled for publication in September 2024. Lower front corner nicked.