The Buk Shop
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Published in March 1970 by Capra Press, Fire Station holds a unique place in the bibliography of Charles Bukowski. Produced in both hardcover and softcover editions “by special arrangement with the Black Sparrow Press”, it can be considered the last of the early Bukowski chapbooks.
Fire Station’s roots are directly tied to The Days Run Away Like Horses Over the Hills, the landmark collection of Bukowski poems published by John Martin and Black Sparrow Press in December 1969. Martin hired Sanford Dorbin to select the poems that appeared in The Days Run Away, all of which previously appeared in small press publications from the late 1950s through the late 1960s. With the help of Bukowski, Dorbin played the pivotal role of tracking down these magazines and collecting the poems for publication.
When the Days Run Away was being finalized, Martin needed to reduce the number of pages to keep the costs in line with its selling price. There was disagreement between Dorbin and Martin on which poems to cut from the book, but in the end Fire Station and eight other poems were cut. These nine poems would go on to be published in Fire Station.
The first edition of Fire Station was limited to 100 hardcover copies and 1,000 soft covers. This copy is one of the 100 hardcover first editions. Also included is the incredibly rare and fragile tissue paper book jacket, as well as an unfolded copy of the uncommon prospectus.
Books with black covers typically have obvious flaws with the white paper underneath revealing nicks. This copy has no visible nicks and is in Fine condition. The red tissue cover is intact with just a couple of tiny chips to the corners, along with some faint wrinkles and small black ink mark. The prospectus is also in Fine condition.
The book comes with a custom clamshell box.
Fire Station includes the following poems:
File Box 4
This was my first experience buying something from The Buk Shop and I am extremely satisfied with everything! The price, the prompt shipping service, the nice and neat packaging, the communications via email with the shop. I cannot recommend this shop highly enough. If you are a fan of Bukowski's work (as I am), then this is the number 1 place to shop!
this shop is always speedy in delivery and packaging is so polite.quality of item is no doubt too.
owner's personality is so wonderful.
from now on,i just want to buy item about bukowski in this shop.
I would like to thank the owner of this lovely Bukshop, who helped us, through bunch of obstacles, get this work of art over the ocean and into our hands.
Thank you Mike for your amazing work!
Excellent experience from start to finish. Simply could not have been any better. Great items. Great seller. Great items. Great communication. Great service.
From the communication to the careful packaging and surprises, I am impressed with the service of this independent shop in the Carolinas. This is the place for a budding or wise Buk collector. I know I can reach out if I have any questions about Bukowski's work and art since a true fan and gentleman is at the helm - steering the ship.
Very satisfied!
Item is is great shape - was packaged well and shipped carefully. Thank you!
I'm elated about this purchase. Everything, from the price to the shipping time to the packaging and personal notes, was perfect. Thank you so much.
Never had a bad experience here. Timely shipping and most professional. Love this site!
Great poster. Arrived in perfect shape.
Excellent condition !
I am very pleased with my Wormwood Review 64 purchase. Thank you very much. It won't be the last time as customer at BUK Shop.
I am very pleased with my collection of Wormwood Reviews, including this early number 7 from 1962.
The Buk Shop delivered promptly with a lot of care and treats included in the order. I'm impressed by the service and will definitely order again in the future!
Really happy with this, great uncollected poems and drawings from Bukowski, love it. Shipping was superfast and great communication before and after purchasing.