Catalog of the Ed Blair Collection (1/200)

Ed Blair was an early supporter (financial and otherwise) of Jon and Louise Webb’s legendary LouJon Press. For example, he provided funds for the exquisite paper used in Charles Bukowski’s first true book, “It Catches My Heart In Its Hands”.

He was also an early Bukowski collector and remained close friends with the Webbs their entire lives.

In 1991, Louise Webb (or Gypsy Lou as she was affectionally known in the French Quarter), found herself destitute. Her husband Jon had passed 20 years before and she no longer was able to scrape by selling paintings to French Quarter tourists.

As only a true friend would do, in 1991 Blaire decided to sell his entire Bukowski collection to raise funds for Gypsy Lou’s remaining years. He also helped arrange the sale of Gypsy Lou’s remaining LouJon Press collection, so she would get top dollar.

This selfless act led to the creation of this catalog, “BUKOWSKI-LOUJON PRESS, CATALOG NUMBER ONE”. Only 250 copies were produced and it features a great Bukowski drawing on the cover.

The catalog contains a list of all their items, as well as photocopies of some true Bukowski rarities in the form of books, inscriptions, drawings, letters, and more. The auction provided enough funds for Gypsy Lou to live her remaining years in comfort, albeit slim.

She finally passed away on Dec 13, 2020, at age 104, spending her last years at Greenbrier Nursing Center in Slidell, Louisiana, a few miles south of New Orleans.

This is a great catalog with an even greater story behind it.

This copy was mailed to Berkeley, California, at the time of the sale. There are postage stamps on the rear, a first class red stamp, and clear tape adhering to the label of the recipient’s address. The catalog was sealed by tape on both covers and the remnants are still present.

All in all, in Near Fine-minus condition. See pics.

Box 24