First edition, fine-press poetry chapbook by A.V. (Ann Victoria) Christie, published in Berkeley, CA in 1985 by the Itinerant Press. Hand-sewn dark blue printed wrappers with applied title label, 6.5 × 9.5 inches. One of only 25 copies, this copy no. 9. Produced by Alix Christie at the Itinerant Press while working during the summer of 1985 at the Yolla Bolly Press, Covelo, California; printed on an 18 x 24 Vandercook proof press in handset Spectrum types on Ingres Antique and Fabriano papers. An exceptionally early collection by A. V. Christie, apparently preceding her first commercially published collection, Nine Skies (1997), winner of the 1996 National Poetry Series, by more than a decade.
From the working library of poet and longtime Vassar professor Nancy Willard, Christie's former teacher and mentor. Laid in is a substantial two-page typed letter from Christie to Willard, dated February 3, 1986 and signed "Ann." Christie presents the book in return for books Willard had given her, hopes to visit her at Vassar, discusses her application to NYU and difficulties with her current poetry, and asks Willard to look at new work. She also supplies valuable production history, explaining that her sister Alix printed the book while apprenticing as a printer in Northern California and remarking, "I will certainly never have another book so finely done."
A particularly strong association copy documenting Willard's continuing mentorship of Christie at the beginning of the younger poet's career, while also preserving an exceptionally scarce fine-press production from Christie's earliest period. No other copy located in current commerce. Near fine.
First edition, fine-press poetry chapbook by A.V. (Ann Victoria) Christie, published in Berkeley, CA in 1985 by the Itinerant Press. Hand-sewn dark blue printed wrappers with applied title label, 6.5 × 9.5 inches. One of only 25 copies, this copy no. 9. Produced by Alix Christie at the Itinerant Press while working during the summer of 1985 at the Yolla Bolly Press, Covelo, California; printed on an 18 x 24 Vandercook proof press in handset Spectrum types on Ingres Antique and Fabriano papers. An exceptionally early collection by A. V. Christie, apparently preceding her first commercially published collection, Nine Skies (1997), winner of the 1996 National Poetry Series, by more than a decade.
From the working library of poet and longtime Vassar professor Nancy Willard, Christie's former teacher and mentor. Laid in is a substantial two-page typed letter from Christie to Willard, dated February 3, 1986 and signed "Ann." Christie presents the book in return for books Willard had given her, hopes to visit her at Vassar, discusses her application to NYU and difficulties with her current poetry, and asks Willard to look at new work. She also supplies valuable production history, explaining that her sister Alix printed the book while apprenticing as a printer in Northern California and remarking, "I will certainly never have another book so finely done."
A particularly strong association copy documenting Willard's continuing mentorship of Christie at the beginning of the younger poet's career, while also preserving an exceptionally scarce fine-press production from Christie's earliest period. No other copy located in current commerce. Near fine.
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