SOUTH OF NO NORTH - PRESENTATION COPY

Los Angeles: Black Sparrow Press, 1973. First Edition. Attractive copy of Bukowski's first collection of short fiction. This copy lengthily inscribed to William (Bill) J. Whitaker, who from ca.1970 until the press closed down in 2002 represented Black Sparrow as a traveling salesman on the eastern seaboard, going from bookstore to bookstore each season selling the latest titles from the press. While copies of the signed limited will periodically show up for sale, copies with contemporary inscriptions - particularly to someone with a close, long-standing connection to the press - are genuinely rare. Krumhansl 45b. Limited Issue, one of 300 numbered copies signed by the author, this being copy no.54. Octavo; 3/4 powder gray paper, printed in 3 colors over black and red patterned cloth, with title label applied to spine; original acetate overlay; 189pp, [3]. Presentation copy, inscribed on the dedication page just three days after publication: "For Bill Whitaker / These stories were all paid for, long ago or sooner. I hope besides the blood this stuff puts in your coffee, you get some cream and laughter. O.K. / Charles Bukowski / 12-26-73;" small drawing of a smoking man beneath the inscription. Subtle forward lean, with a gentle tap to upper board edges and small stain to upper edge of text; "Compliments of the Publisher" slip laid in; Near Fine in a VG+ acetate overlay, with some shallow chipping to base of spine and a few small tears.