Charles Bukowski, Outsider of the Year Special Section (1963)

The Outsider was produced by LouJon Press in New Orleans from 1961 to 1963. Hand printed on a letterpress, it was considered the premier arts magazine of its day, even though only four issues were published.

Each issue of Outsider featured poetry by Charles Bukowski, but this 1963 issue found him as the Outsider of the Year. There is a special section 21-pages long that features Bukowski photographs, poetry, drawings, letters, reviews of his work, and accolades from editors across the world.

John Edgar Webb and Louise “Gypsy Lou” Webb were the founders of LouJon Press. In addition to publishing Outsider, the Webbs were also responsible for transforming Bukowski into an established writer, even if fame wouldn’t occur until years later. They published Bukowski’s first true books, “It Catches My Heart In Its Hands” (1963) and “Crucifix in a Deathhand” (1965). These books are true works of art in and of themselves. The detail, the printing methods, the craftsmanship, and the pure insanity it took to undertake these endeavors was as unparalleled then and as it is today.

Other contributors include William Burroughs, Henry Miller, Robert Creeley, Jean Genet, Gary Snyder, Kenneth Patchen, Michael McClure, Diane Wakowski, Harold Norse, Larry Eigner, Anselm Hollo, and many more.

This copy is in Near Fine-plus condition with a few small creases to the covers. The interior pages are whiter than any other copy I’ve seen and show almost no aging.

Box 31