Published in 1963 by LouJon Press, this is The Outsider Issue #3, featuring Charles Bukowski as Outsider of the Year.
This copy is signed by Charles Bukowski and comes with a custom-made box.
The Outsider was produced 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 issue features a special 21-page special section with Bukowski photographs, poetry, drawings, letters, reviews of his work, and accolades from editors across the world.
This copy is signed by Charles Bukowski on the title page with a nice tone of golden ink printed on the page. It has a translucent book jacket that I don’t believe is original to the magazine, but has certainly preserved the cover nicely. The page edges also are adorned with bronze ink, making this copy even more attractive. I would rate this copy as Near Fine or better.
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.
An important publication not only for Bukowski collectors, but for the small press, New Orleans and literary history as a whole.
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.
File Box 1
