The Leaf and the Cloud: A Poem (inscribed uncorrected proof with hardcover first)
NY: Da Capo Press, 2000. First edition. Hardcover. A scarce uncorrected proof, here inscribed on the title page: "Mary Oliver thanks you for the loan of a cloud and a leaf. Good wishes to you, Dan." The recipient, according to this copy's source, loaned this proof to Oliver for a reading--neat to think of her reading from it in hand. Laid in is a signed publicist letter about the book which notes that the first part appeared in the The Best American Poetry in 1999 and the second part was slated to appear in Best American the next year. "An exquisite book-length poem by a poet devoted to close scrutiny of the natural world and exact, sensuous, and ecstatic description. Lyrical and philosophical in the American transcendental tradition, Oliver addresses her readers directly to ravishing effect, and there is magic and wisdom in her gleaming language and aesthetically arresting metaphors." (Donna Seaman, American Library Association). Oliver won both the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize. Very good or better with a hint of sunning to spine and a light crease to lower corner of rear wrap. Letter very good, folded irregularly twice in quadrants and with some creasing to lower edge. For good measure, comes with a hardcover first edition of The Leaf and the Cloud, near fine in a near fine jacket. A unique copy. Very good. Item #2012
ISBN: 9780306809934
Price: $2,500.00 save 5% $2,375.00