My Mark
Los Angeles: Sherwood Press, 1982. 1st Edition. Octavo, publisher's stapled, stiff photo-illustrated wraps, autograph note signed laid in.
Inscribed first edition of queer cult writer Dennis Cooper's earliest work of fiction, with an autograph note signed, to art song composer Christopher Berg. Drawing upon events from the author’s own life, the three-part story follows protagonist Mark Lewis as he moves among various suitors. Based on Cooper’s real-life obsession with a man named Mark Lewis he met at a reading, the narrative, both thematically and structurally, is considered the blueprint of his George Miles cycle. Published by poet and Cooper’s close friend David Trinidad’s Sherwood Press. Established in memory of poet Rachel Sherwood after her death in an automobile accident, the press additionally issued works by Trinidad, Amy Gerstler, Tim Dlugos, and Alice Notley. Cover photo by photographer and conceptual artist Sherrie Levin. Inscribed by Cooper to the title page: "for Chris - / yours, / Dennis / Nov 24 1982." The autograph note, written in ink on a folded sheet of legal-sized paper, is also dated November 1982 and warmly expresses Cooper’s regret about missing the performance of "our" piece, presumably referring to a musical setting of Berg’s based on a text by Cooper. News clipping laid in. Some creasing, rubbing, and edgewear to wraps, embrowning to front endpapers from news clipping. Light toning and staining to note. Very good overall. Item #12801
$375.00