Mark Strand's Copy

Self-Help: Stories [Proof]

Moore, Lorrie

Publication: New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1985. Uncorrected Proof.

Notes: Poet Mark Strand's copy of the proof of Lorrie Moore's first book, a collection of short stories.

[8], 158, [2] pages. Printed cream-colored wrappers.

Edition + Condition: The uncorrected proof of this promising debut story collection. A near fine copy, signed by Moore on the title page.

Laid into this copy is a letter from Moore's editor at Knopf, the legendary Vicky Wilson, to the poet Mark Strand (later a Poet Laureate and Pulitzer Prize winner). The note, rather badly typed, likely by Wilson herself rather than by a secretary, describes Moore, "This woman is talented (obviously, otherwise why would I be publishing her first collection of stories). She is just 27 -- just a wee 27." It goes on to mention her originality and "her perfectly pitched portrait of anxiety." The note is addressed to Mark and signed "Vicky." The postscript, signed VAW, says that Knopf took out an ad in the New Yorker for "the Doggy Book" with a quote from Mark.

If it's not too immodest of me to write, I have something of a reputation as a good researcher. So how did I figure out this book belonged to Mark Strand? Well I generated a list of all the books Knopf published in 1984 and made an educated guess that Wilson probably referred to The Dog Observed. Then I went through back issues of the New Yorker until I found an ad for the book (Nov. 19, 1984, p. 183) which just happens to include an excerpt from a review in Vogue by Mark Strand. And that's how it's done, ladies and gentlemen, and everyone in between.

Item No: #366364

Price: $400