Fine Literature: Beats & Counterculture at PBA Galleries on March 24

Berkeley, CA – PBA Galleries announces an auction of Fine Literature – Beats, the Counterculture and Bukowski on March 24th, 2022. The sale comprises over 400 lots of fine literature and ephemera, featuring scarce works from the counterculture and the Beat Generation, as well as a large selection of Charles Bukowski, including a number of signed typescript poems.
 
The sale also includes important works by Ray Bradbury, Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, and numerous other major figures of the 20th century. Scarce works of poetry are present as well, including the rare books of Frank Stanford, with an inscribed copy of his first collection. The sale also features a wide selection of fantasy and mystery, with works by Anne Rice, J.R.R. Tolkien, Edgar Rice Burroughs and others. The Beat/ Counterculture section includes a number of important works by the likes of Jack Kerouac and Ken Kesey, as well as a selection of counterculture handbills and posters.
 
A noteworthy lot is Bukowski’s Women with original art, one of 75 copies (Estimate: $4,000-$6,000). It is the first edition, with an original signed oil painting by Bukowski inserted at front. It is signed by Bukowski at the colophon, also signed and inscribed by longtime Bukowski girlfriend Linda King. The character of Lydia in the novel is based on King. Also present is a fine copy of Linda King’s memoir, Loving and Hating Charles Bukowski, signed by the author.
 
Among the many works by Ray Bradbury, you will find a typescript of the first portion of the second part of Bradbury’s Farhenheit 451. It is signed, inscribed and dated by the author on the first page: "By Ray Bradbury - July 20, 1976." The typescript comprises 6 loose original sheets, with type on one side only and ends with the sentence, "The train vanished in its hole." (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000).
 
Regarding the poetry section, a rare copy of Frank Stanford’s 1st book The Singing Knives will be offered (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000). It is signed by Frank Stanford with a lengthy inscription to poet Richard Eberhart on the half title. This work is a rare inscribed copy of Stanford's very scarce first collection, issued in a small run on Irv Broughton's press. Also included is a near fine copy of the second edition of the book, published posthumously in 1979. In the same category you will find a letterpress poem signed by Leonard Cohen, one of 26 copies. On opposite side, facing the poem, is an original painting by Soheyl Dahi of a guitar. This publication marks the first broadside publication by Cohen in a literary career spanning over 60 years. Prior to 2014, this item was not available to the general public (Estimate: $2,000-$3,000)
 
Other sale highlights include: Ferdinand the Bull 1st edition in jacket (Estimate: $4,000-$6,000) and Chandler’s scarce first book The Big Sleep, introducing the world to the famed private eye Philip Marlowe (Estimate: $3,000-$5,000).
 
PBA continues to safeguard the health of employees and clients and is open by appointment only. PBA limits live auction participation to online or phone bidding. For more information about upcoming sales, to schedule a Zoom preview or phone bidding for a future auction, please contact the galleries at 415.989.2665 or pba@pbagalleries.com.