Though he wrote novels, short stories and poems, some of Bukowski’s best work came in the form of letters. Anyone who has enjoyed reading Bukowski’s fiction will find these writings just as enjoyable.
Published by Paget Press in 1983, this is an uncommon Charles Bukowski book because it was not published by Black Sparrow Press and there was only one edition.
The book covers the correspondence between Bukowski and Al Purdy, a Canadian poet who went on to fame.
Although the title says 1964-1974, 99 percent of the letters were written between 1964-1965, when both writers were struggling – Bukowski more than Purdy.
It’s a fascinating look into Bukowski’s life as he struggles to get published and has a hard time being a father and writing at the same time. It also documents his trip down to New Orleans for the completion of Crucifix in a Deathhand.
