PATCHEN, Kenneth. Poems of Humor & Protest. San Francisco: City Books. 1958.
Small 4to. Orignal blue and white paper wrappers; pp. [4], 7-48; front and back wrapper toned; fading and rubbing to spine causing detachment, slight tear at top end; price label to rear crossed out in black marker; otherwise very good.
Third printing.
A passionate pacifist, Kenneth Patchen strongly opposed the involvement of America in WWII and his words were subsequently a huge inspiration to students protesting against the Vietnam War in the 1960's. He is quoted as saying; "I speak for a generation born in one war and doomed to die in another."
Poems of Humor and Protest features two exmaples of his well known 'Painted Poems' such as those for Opening the Window and Street Corner College; an artistic practice he pioneered. He is also admired for his experimentation with music; in 1942 Patchen collaborated with John Cage on the radio play The City Wear A Slouch Hat.
Although he was an influence to the Beat generation, he renounced direct assoicaiton with the label due to their glorificaiton of drugs and their scandalous lifestyles, once christening them "a freak show". Regardless of this complex friction, he is published here in Ferlinghetti's iconic Pocket Poet's Series.
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