Artifact. Notebooks from Hell 1974-80
Madras/New York: Hanuman Books, 1990. 1st Edition. 32mo, publisher's stiff textured sage paper wraps, original photo-illustrated dust jacket.
"To me this little book is a work of fiction, or a movie prop for maybe a Stroheim set–some obsessively realistic director–or an archeological artifact." Collection of memoir-ish work by New York punk pioneer Richard Hell, inscribed by him. Chronicling the early days of the scene during his years with Television and the Heartbreakers, and the production of his epochal album Blank Generation (1977), with the Voidoids. The book comprises quotes, notes, ideas, lyrics, and song titles among other fragments that made up his working notebook (given to him by Patti Smith), kept from 1974-80. Illustrated with several black-and-white photos. Issued as number 37 in art critic Raymond Foye and Italian painter Francesco Clemente's Hanuman Books series. Founded in 1986, the small press, whose administrative and editorial functions were housed in the Chelsea Hotel, produced their series of small handmade books in Madras, India. Inscribed by Hell to the title page: "for Marlene," and signed beneath his crossed out printed name. Unclipped dust jacket with some rubbing, toning, and edgewear. Very good. Item #12449
$300.00