Writing Writing

(Portland: Trask House, 1971). First Trask House edition (1000 copies printed). Bertholf A13c. Presentation copy, inscribed by Duncan to the book's publisher Carlos Reyes: "And for Carlos who brought it back into print / Robert Duncan / April 1971". Accompanied by a TLS from Duncan to Reyes, 1 page, February 25, 1971: "I find WRITING WRITING, Trask House edition, already out upon my return from a three weeks' tour East, and congratulations upon your speedy production. The facsimile comes out a little dim perhaps but still it is most pleasant to have this book available again." "I'm enclosing the receipt for the hundred you sent on advance royalties as per our verbal agreement. And in this same mailing, the opening twelve pages of GROUND WORK, a book in progress which I am sending out pre-publication to a select mailing list of friends, just to keep you up with what I am doing as it is done. Tho at this point I am behind time in getting things typed up. I hope in the coming week to have another set of pages issued. When it is all done -- i.e. when it reaches circa 100 pages I plan to publish under copyright and to have the edition distributed by Black Sparrow. It will be a rarity in any case for I don't think to have more than 250 copies at the point of its going on public sale. The project is to have my work produced immediately from my typewriter, where, if there are 'errors' they will enter the works (as the first pages here indicate0, and where I can originate typography as I see fit." Also included is the typed receipt (signed & dated by both Duncan and Reyes), 1 page on Trask House letterhead, for "the sum of $100.00 as an advance royalty of 10% of sales, as agreed upon previously in Ellensburg, Washington, for my work Writing, Writing: Stein Imitations to be published by Trask House Books, Inc.. Spine portion of book lightly sunned, otherwise the book, the letter, and the receipt are in fine condition. Large 8vo, original stapled printed wrappers. Spine portion of book lightly sunned, otherwise the book, the letter, and the receipt are in fine condition.