Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - September - 2007 Issue
Modern Literature From Ken Lopez Bookseller
Junkie, William Burroughs pseudonymous first book.
Item 86 is a novel of the ‘60s, Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me, by Richard Farina. Farina was part of the folk/protest music scene of the early 1960s. He married Joan Baez' teenage sister, Mimi, and the two performed and recorded several record albums. However, his lone novel is likely his greatest claim to fame. Unfortunately, two days after the book's release, after attending a book signing, and at Mimi's 21st birthday party, he went for a ride on a motorcycle which spun out, throwing him to his death. $200.
Item 96 is another book noted for its very popular film, The Princess Bride, by William Goldman. This 1973 work is inscribed by the author to Robert Redford's father, Charles Redford. Writes Goldman, "We haven't met but I know you've got to be more literate than your son. Happy Birthday." Goldman wrote the screenplays for many of Redford's films, including Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All the President's Men. Presumably, Redford felt an inscribed book from his friend would make a good gift for his father, but Goldman got the last laugh in his inscription. $3,500.
Item 140 is the first book by famed western author Louis L'Amour. However, Smoke from this Alter, published in 1939, is not a western, but a book of poetry. L'Amour would go on to write over 100 books, mostly westerns. This book of his poetry is inscribed to "Miss Erskine Hogue," an Oklahoman who knew Will Rogers. $3,500.
The website for Ken Lopez Bookseller is www.lopezbooks.com, telephone 413-584-4827.
