AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED AND RELATED MATERIAL
Gary Snyder (b.1930) began his career in the 1950s as a noted member of the Beat Generation, though he has since explored a wide range of social and spiritual matters in both poetry and prose. His work blends physical reality and precise observations of nature with inner insight received primarily through the practice of Zen Buddhism.
The following material was part of the personal library and papers of Snyder’s friend, the Buddhist scholar Robert P. Jackson (1930-2014). A longtime resident of Marysville, California, Jackson was a frequent contributor to The American Buddhist. Most notably, he wrote the often-quoted article “Buddhism and the Beat Generation” (1957).
An autograph letter signed (ALS) by Gary Snyder to Robert and Beverly Jackson. Handwritten in a greeting card designed by artist Zoe Alowan, it mentions a recent visit by Zen teacher Robert Aitken during which Jackson was discussed. The card is housed in its original mailing envelope, which is postmarked December 31, 1975.
OCCIDENT: Fall 1955. Berkeley: Associated Students of the University of California, 1955. This issue of the University of California literary magazine features the poem “Song to be Sung Later” by Gary Snyder, as well as “N. Y. ‘52” by Allen Ginsberg. Octavo. Original printed paper wrappers. Some mild toning along the extremities, with a pencil price to the front panel.
SIDEWALK: Scotland’s Quarterly Review – Vol. I, No. 2. Edinburgh: Alex Neish, 1960. Features the poem “Aubade” by Gary Snyder, as well as “Have You Seen Slotless City” by William S. Burroughs and “The Dress” by Robert Creeley. Octavo. Original printed paper wrappers. Mild wear to the extremities.
CITY MINER: Vol. 4, No. 1. Berkeley: City Miner Magazine, 1979. Gary Snyder appears on the cover of this issue, which includes an interview with him conducted by Michael Helm. Laid in is an informational flyer distributed by San Franciscans for Reasonable Growth. Standard magazine format (7 ½” x 10 ½”). Original pictorial paper wrappers.
RING OF BONE ZENDO. Two issues of the newsletter (March 10, 1987 and March 1990) distributed by the rural Buddhist community near Nevada City, California, which Gary Snyder founded in 1974. Edited by Snyder’s third wife, Masa Uehara. Both issues were mailed to Robert and Beverly Jackson. Item #73832
Price: $400.00