MONOLITHOS

New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1982. Fine in fine dust jacket.. Signed first edition, a review copy, of this collection of poetry that was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, the National Book Award, and the National Book Critics Circle Award. Gilbert's social proximity to Beat greats Ginsberg and Spicer may imply an associated stylistic proximity, but Gilbert wrote through a more traditional lineage. In this collection, revised poems from his first work, the critically-acclaimed 1962 VIEWS OF JEOPARDY, are presented alongside new poems after twenty years of public silence. "Steeped in shadowy grammar and ornately wrought lines," the "treasure-chest style" (Knapp) of MONOLITHOS earned it the Stanley Kunitz Prize and the American Poetry Review Prize, as well as nominations for all three major American book awards. 8.25'' x 5.25''. Original black cloth with silver and blind lettering. Original unclipped ($11.50) pictorial dust jacket, designed by James Laughlin. Top edge stained blue. 94 pages. Signed by Gilbert to title page. Review copy with original review slip laid in. Mild toning to rear of jacket. A sharp, clean copy.