Thursday, September 11, 2014

Sam Francis Signed book YEA First edition



Signed book: YEA. First edition. Culver City, CA: The Lapis Press, 1989. Hardcover, 5.25 x 8.25, 25 pages. Signed on the first free end page with an ownership signature in black felt tip by Cid Corman, and hand-painted on the front and back covers by Francis. An extremely limited issue, only 25 copies of this specially painted edition were released, and this example has a particularly remarkable association—YEA was written by Corman and published by Francis, who founded The Lapis Press. This particular book remained unsigned by Francis, who retained it for personal use and sent it as a gift to Corman prior to publication. Includes a letter penned by Corman’s wife, Konishi Shizumi, following his death, transmitting this book as a gift to a friend. In part (spelling and grammar retained): “I’d like I have a surpris for you it little too early to X’mas gift of you. I fond sam of book and franko of peace card. I can’t find out sam paint bout I look for cid and sam made book gift for X’mas from cid to you.” A remarkable association with regard to an already excessively rare book. Book is in VG+ condition, with rubbing along edges; slight yellowing; and light scattered foxing (mostly to exterior and first/last few pages). Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

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