When the Sun Tries to Go On. Illustrated by Larry Rivers

Los Angeles, CA: Black Sparrow Press, 1969. First edition. Publisher’s copy. One of only five copies specially bound and signed by Koch and Rivers, and including one of the original illustrations for the book. The present copy, formerly in the personal collection of John Martin, the publisher, is roman numeral I, and the collage, which is reproduced on page 13, bears the text: “A Ocean. Preposterous rhinoceros of a pilgrim’s happiness.” The line appears on page 15 in the sentence: “Oboe! Rebus! / Preposterous rhinoceros of a pilgrim’s happiness / At being chef!” Of the other special copies, it is known that one is in the Raymond Danowski Poetry Library at Emory University and another in the Black Sparrow Press Archive at the University of Alberta. Koch’s most important long poem, and an important collaboration between two major figures of the New York School. Very fine condition. RIVERS, Larry. Small 8vo, illustrated, original maroon polished calf, enclosed together with an original three-dimensional collage by the artist in a large folio [15 x 12 x 3 inches] folding maroon cloth and plexiglass case with printed labels. Very fine condition.