THE SAN FRANCISCO ORACLE: THE PSYCHEDELIC NEWSPAPER OF THE HAIGHT-ASHBURY 1966-1968. FACSIMILE COLLECTOR'S EDITION - SIGNED

Berkeley, California: Regent Press , 1991. Rare Signed Deluxe Collector's Edition, number 10/200 copies. Large folio with burgundy cloth spine with red and green cloth covered boards, slipcase. Bright full-color endplates by Rick Griffin. 385 pages printed on archival paper. A magnificent and complete full-color recreation in book form of all 12 issues of the legendary psychedelic newspaper originally published in the Haight-Ashbury 1966-1968. The book contains each and every page of all 12 issues printed - in all their original brilliance. "Open any page and you are back on the streets of the Haight-Ashbury at a time when that tiny urban spot was the Olympus of the newborn world." Laid in with the book is a sheet advertising The San Francisco Oracle Facsimile Edition Publication and Book Signing Party, November 17th, 1991. The Oracle was one of the most unique and beautiful publications of the 1960's and is now a cherished legend. The Oracle is remembered for its extraordinary graphic design by major San Francisco artists, its rainbow colors, and cultural explorations and breakthroughs in its articles, interviews and poetry. Writers who appeared in The Oracle include: Gary Snyder, William Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg, Ken Kesey, Alan Watts, Tim Leary, Michael McClure, Norman Mailer, Jerry Rubin, Paul Krassner, Buckminster Fuller, Carl Rogers, Richard Alpert (Ram Dass), Lawrence Ferlinghetti and others. Artists include many of the great San Francisco Poster artists such as: Rick Griffin, Stanley Mouse, Alton Kelly, Bruce Conner, Michael Bowen and Gary Grimshaw. This Collector's Edition belonged to Raymond Knight, a collector of visionary art, and an early supporter of the press (see p. ixx). The title page is signed and numbered by the editor Allen Cohen with his unique stamp, Michael McClure, and carries an inscription to Raymond Knight. The front color endpapers are signed by Jim Phillips and John Thompson who has drawn a small third-eye caricature. The beautiful color frontispiece for the Collector's Edition is signed by poster artist Rick Griffin. The copyright page is inscribed "with special appreciation to Raymond, Mark Weiman, Publisher." Additionally inscribed or signed by George Tsongas p. 31; Michael McClure above his poem "The God I Worship is a Lion" p.110; Joel Beck p.117; Jim Phillips p. 143; Ami Magill p.169; Gene Grimm p.173; Ami Magill p. 175; and Stephen Gaskin on the rear free endpaper. A unique and important signed association copy. Excellent condition, tiny spot of wear at head of spine, otherwise clean and tight, contents very bright and sharp, a solid volume throughout. The sturdy slipcase has a few small spots of wear and smudging, still very nice. Near Fine, Slip Case Near Fine. . Signed. First Edition. Hard Cover. Near Fine. Folio - over 12" - 15" tall.