Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.
Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964. Joanne Kyger, George Stanley.

Open Space, nos. 0–12. 1964.

Item #2139

Complete run in 15 issue, nos. 0–12 (Jan. 1964–Dec. 1964). No. 1, Jan. 1964, preceded by an undated issue, no. 0; no. 2, Feb. 1964, preceded by Open Space Valentine; no. 4, Apr. 1964, followed by Open Space Taurus Issue 4

Stan Persky began Open Space in 1964, printing 50 copies of each issue on a multilith machine (whereas was mimeographed). Like J, and MOpen Space was a very local (North Beach) magazine whose contents seemed primarily intended for those who contributed, including: Helen Adam, Robin Blaser, Ebbe Borregaard, Richard Duerden, Harold Dull, Larry Fagin, Jess Collins, Joanne Kyger, Jack Spicer and George Stanley. The magazine was also “quite spicy and a little gossipy, for instance, labeling the famed 1955 reading at the Six Gallery as 'creamed cottage cheese.'" A few years later, Persky moved to Vancouver where he was involved with the alternative newspaper Georgia Straight. He co- founded the "Georgia Straight Writing Supplement" which became New Star Books (A Secret Location, p. 61).

This collection contains a four-page autograph manuscript by Joanne Kyger, which enumerates the issues of the magazine and historical details ("monthly free - material at Gino + Carlo's"), as well as key contents of issues. Annotated in pencil and highlighter, these notes correspond with sticky notes that identify the pieces of writing Kyger highlights in the manuscript, allowing for easy reference. Most issues contain a small handful of these sticky notes.

Copies are variously foxed and slightly age-toned at extremities, with spots of age-toning to covers and minor rust stains to staples. Most copies very good to near fine with minor imperfections.

An important association collection, with archival evidence of poet's use and exploration of this publication in which she was featured.

Condition report for individual issues (additional photographs available upon request):

No. 0: Foxing at upper left edge of cover, with a few spots of age toning near edges both front and back; additional staple added to reattach back cover; clean and bright interior.

No. 1: A few spots and strips of age toning to covers, with additional staple added to reattach back cover; light rust spots near staples. Bright interior.

No. 2: With light rust stains at staple and minor soiling to covers, light age toning at fore-edge, else crisp and bright.

Valentine: Slight rust stains and discolored spots to cover, with a few smudges to back cover and Kyger's holograph annotations (5.46, 7:00PM, circled). Else near fine.

No. 3: Foxing and discoloration to covers, with a few chips. Flower painting on gold paper by William McNeill tipped in. Signed by Joanne Kyger in pencil on front cover.

No. 4: Rust stains at staple, slight age toning at edges of cover and text block, small discoloration on back cover. Taurus Issue: Light rust stains at staple, small splatter discoloration on bottom of back cover; else near fine.

No. 5: Light rust stains at staple, slight spots and dampstaining at front and back covers. Interior clean and bright.

No. 6: Dampstaining at top and bottom edges of cover by Helen Adam, with age toning and light soiling at top edge. Rust spots near staple on front and back covers, light chipping on back cover with clean interior.

No. 7: Light age toning at right edge of cover, with a few spots of discoloration at bottom edge that persist through part of text block; light foxing to back cover. Original artwork by William McNeill, signed, within. Ink annotations by Kyger on back cover with reading notes; additional staple to re-attach back cover. Light rust near front staple.

No. 8: Age-toning at edges of cover, with a small chip at left edge, light rust stains, and a few spots of discoloration at bottom edge of cover; a few spots on back cover, with near fine interior.

No. 9: Dampstaining to upper right cover through text block, rust spots near staple binding at upper left cover. Light foxing on back cover and a few chips to certain interior pages; interior bright and clean. Cover signed in ink by Joanne Kyger.

No. 10: Faint spots near staple and on front and back covers, light toning and edges, else near fine. Bright and clean.

No. 11: cover detached, bound at upper left corner with two additional staples (one likely to re-attach the back cover, the other a likely attempt to attach front cover). Slightest of foxing and toning at right edge, increasing towards back cover (with a few small chips); interior near fine.

No. 12: slight spots at right edge of cover, small rust stain from stacking. Tattered back cover at lower right edge, with foxing and discoloration at lower edge of back few pages. Else interior bright and clean.


Pictured:
side views of magazines, stacked, with sticky notes; covers of all issues.

Out of Stock