Neurotica

St. Louis, Missouri: Neurotica Publishing Company, 1952. Lustig, Alvin (Cover Art). Complete run of first editions of this influential and avant-garde quarterly literary journal published by the Neurotica Publishing Company (9 volumes 1948-1952), edited by Jay Irving Landesman except volume 9 which was edited by G. [Gershon] Legman who also served as Associate Editor for volume 5. Generally the staple-bound volumes are in near fine condition with light edge wear and minor soiling and rubbing. Volumes 8 and 9 show greater soiling and fading to the spine of volume 8. Cover art by noted designer Alvin Lustig.

Jay Irving Landesman (1919-2011) led an interesting and varied life in St. Louis operating art galleries, salons and the Crystal Palace nightclub in the 40's and 50's before moving to London in the early 60's. Throughout these pursuits, Landesman befriended many poets and writers, some of whom would become influential in the Beat Generation. Neurotica served as an outlet for young writers and gained a reputation for publishing edgy material dealing with sex, the arts and neuroticism. This edginess was the magazines downfall with issue 9, edited by Gershon Legman, titled The Castration Complex gaining the attention of censors.

Contributors included among many, Kenneth Patchen, Leonard Bernstein, Richard Rubenstein, Marshall McLuhan, Allan Ginsburg, William Steig, Lawrence Durrell, Henri Michaux and even a poem from F. Scott Fitzgerald. Volume 8 featured a complete index of authors through that volume. An anthology was published in 1963 and remains collectible. Full runs, especially in this condition are not common on the market.