This is a beautiful copy of Crucifix In A Deathhand featuring a large drawing by Charles Bukowski.
It’s unclear if the book belonged to Louise Webb and Ed Blair, but it was featured in the 1991sales catalog Blair published to generate funds for Louise Webb.
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 throughout his life.
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.
To assist her, Blaire decided to sell his entire Bukowski collection to raise funds for Gypsy Lou’s remaining years. The sale also included Gypsy Lou’s remaining LouJon Press collection.
This copy of Crucifix in a Deathhand was featured in the sales catalog, with a photograph of the drawing and a description that talks about Bukowski going to the track while he was visiting the Webb’s in New Orleans. The catalog, 1/250 copies produced, is included here with the book itself.
The book itself is in Near Fine condition and is protected in a mylar sleeve.
The catalog 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.
Box 40 and Crucifix Case.
