Click for full-size.
The Beforelife
by WRIGHT, Franz
- Used
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Wadsworth, Illinois, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2001. First edition. Softcover. Uncorrected proof. A slim collection of poems. A very near fine copy in printed wrappers and with laid in sheet from publisher presenting this proof to a representative.
Synopsis
In this stunning collection, Franz Wright chronicles the journey back from a place of isolation and wordlessness. After a period when it seemed certain he would never write poetry again, he speaks with bracing clarity about the twilit world that lies between madness and sanity, addiction and recovery. Wright negotiates the precarious transition from illness to health in a state of skeptical rapture, discovering along the way the exhilaration of love--both divine and human--and finding that even the most battered consciousness can be good company. Whether he is writing about his regret for the abortion of a child, describing the mechanics of slander ("I can just hear them on the telephone and keening all their kissy little knives"), or composing an ironic ode to himself ("To a Blossoming Nut Case"), Wright's poems are exquisitely precise. Charles Simic has characterized him as a poetic miniaturist, whose "secret ambition is to write an epic on the inside of a matchbook cover." Time and again, Wright turns on a dime in a few brief lines, exposing the dark comedy and poignancy of his heightened perception. Here is one of the poems from the collection:Description of Her EyesTwo teaspoonfuls,and my mind goeseveryone can kiss my ass now--then it's changed,I change my mind.Eyes so sad, and infinitely kind.From the Hardcover edition.
Reviews
(Log in or Create an Account first!)
Details
- Seller
- Jeff Hirsch Books, ABAA
(US)
- Seller's Inventory #
- 192613
- Title
- The Beforelife
- Author
- WRIGHT, Franz
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Publisher
- Alfred A. Knopf
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Date Published
- 2001
- Keywords
- Poetry
Terms of Sale
Jeff Hirsch Books, ABAA
Books are subject to prior sale. Libraries, institutions, and accredited dealers in the United States can be sent books with invoice. All books noted as First Editions are also First Printings unless indicated otherwise. Books are returnable for any reason within 10 days provided they are returned in the same condition they were sent.
Biblio collects all sales taxes for the appropriate states.
abebooks collects taxes for orders going to Australia, Canada, Euro Zone, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom as required by each country. For other areas, you will be responsible for all customs or tax charges for importation. We do not pay this charges. If you have a tax number for your country, please email it to us as this will expedite your package through customs.
Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 3 LB, or .41 KG. However, larger or heavier books or multi-volume sets will require additional postage. We will contact you if additional postage is required.
About the Seller
Jeff Hirsch Books, ABAA
Biblio member since 2008
Wadsworth, Illinois
About Jeff Hirsch Books, ABAA
We are members of ABAA, ILAB and Midwest Antiquarian Booksellers Association. We specialize in First Editions of 20th century photography, art, design, literature, drama, poetry, and signed books. We are not an open shop but always welcome inquiries.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
- Wrappers
- The paper covering on the outside of a paperback. Also see the entry for pictorial wraps, color illustrated coverings for...
- Uncorrected Proof
- An uncorrected proof is a printed copy of a book that needs to be reviewed for errors and corrections. They are released prior...
- First Edition
- In book collecting, the first edition is the earliest published form of a book. A book may have more than one first edition in...
Frequently asked questions
This Book’s Categories
How to properly store your collection
Don't let a few small mistakes erode the value of your growing book collection. Review these tips to help preserve the beauty of your books!
Collecting History of the Circus in America
Step right up! Take a look at the center ring, where you will see displayed the most amazing, most colorful series of history books that the world has ever seen! Right this way, folks…
