Eleven original typed letters from Charles Bukowski to Ben Tibbs, the artist who designed the cover of Flower, Fist and Bestial Wail — Bukowski's first book. Obtained from Seamus Cooney, editor of the three Black Sparrow Press volumes of Bukowski's letters, a few months before his death in December 2023.
The letters span from early 1963 to March 1967, numbered [3] through [13] by Cooney in pencil. Several include original Bukowski drawings — ink sketches, a blue ballpoint Christmas drawing, and the most significant item in the collection: letter [7], dated February 7, 1964, which contains a letter, an original ink drawing, a Stravinsky margin note, and an original aphorism that Bukowski the same night told the Webbs he had "stolen" for the purple colophon pages of It Catches My Heart in Its Hands.
They offer a window into Bukowski's world during a pivotal period — the small press community, the early chapbooks, the LouJon Press publications, and the years before widespread recognition.
For the full story of this collection, read our article: Keep All of It: Charles Bukowski's Letters to Ben Tibbs, 1963-1967.
This is a significant acquisition for any serious Bukowski collector. Before purchasing, I'd encourage you to reach out directly — I'm happy to answer any questions and provide additional detail on individual letters. Contact Mike.
