Sudden Immobility

(British Columbia): Barbarian Press, 2021. English, Andy. Octavo. xvii, (5), 271, cclxxi, (vi)pp. From an edition of 105 copies, this is one of 62 comprising the deluxe state, and thus accompanied by a portfolio of strikes of the engravings, which are supplied by Andy English and appear throughout the volume. Molly Holden (1927-1981) was a British poet, whose prolific poetic career (the present publication only represents approximately a third of her oeuvre) was informed yet unhindered by her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Many of Holden's poems reflect upon her condition, meditating upon feelings of capitivity and liberation, mortality and joy, the demise of the personal body and the richness of relationship. A powerful force of disability advocacy within and enabled by the lyric form, here presented by the Barbarian Press in its usual precise and evocative typography and craftsmanship. Bound, both literally and metaphorically, the reader opens the book to unbind them, to free them as Holden dreamed. The deluxe edition is bound in half green morocco with decorative paper over boards; the portfolio is in a matching style but in silk rather than leather. Held in chemise and slipcase. Fine.