{"product_id":"irving-layton-the-gucci-bag-authors-proof-signed-inscribed-first-edition-1983-canadian-poetry","title":"Irving Layton The Gucci Bag Author's Proof Signed Inscribed First Edition 1983 Canadian Poetry","description":"\u003cp\u003eA particularly scarce and desirable \u003cb\u003eAuthor's Proof copy of the signed limited first edition of \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Gucci Bag\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e by Irving Layton, one of the most important and influential figures in modern Canadian poetry and a celebrated mentor, close friend and confidant of Leonard Cohen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePublished in 1983 by Mosaic Press\/Valley Editions of Oakville, Ontario, this first edition was issued in a signed and numbered edition limited to 429 copies, with the first 100 copies specially bound. Rather than bearing a number from the regular limitation, however, this copy is designated \u003cb\u003e\"A-P\"\u003c\/b\u003e on the limitation page and personally signed by Irving Layton beneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the context of limited-edition books, the designation \u003cb\u003eA-P generally indicates an Author's Proof\u003c\/b\u003e, a special proof copy outside the regular numbered limitation. Such copies were typically retained by or reserved for the author, publisher, or presentation purposes and can be considerably scarcer than copies from the regular numbered edition. Because publishing conventions can vary, the A-P designation is reproduced and described exactly as it appears in the book.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdding considerably to the interest and association value of this particular copy is a warm personal inscription by Layton on the half-title page:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"For Diane Parent, with fondest memories, best wishes, and a warm embrace. Irving Layton, Oakville, Ont., March 26, 1983.\"\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inscription is especially noteworthy because it is dated \u003cb\u003eMarch 26, 1983, concurrent with the book's year of publication\u003c\/b\u003e. The combination of the A-P designation, Layton's signature on the limitation page, and a personal inscription dating from the year of publication makes this a particularly appealing copy for a collector of Layton, Canadian poetry, or modern Canadian literary history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Gucci Bag\u003c\/i\u003e is a collection of poetry displaying the provocative, passionate and intellectually uncompromising voice for which Layton became renowned. The title poem uses the image of a Gucci bag as a symbol in a meditation on possessiveness, temptation, human frailty and the darker impulses of human nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eIrving Layton (1912–2006)\u003c\/b\u003e was one of the major forces in the development of modern Canadian poetry. Born in Romania and raised in Montreal, he helped transform Canadian poetry through his vigorous, outspoken and often controversial work. An internationally recognized literary figure, Layton was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature and became one of Canada's most prominent modern poets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLayton also played an important role in the life and literary development of \u003cb\u003eLeonard Cohen\u003c\/b\u003e. The two met in Montreal when Cohen was a young poet, and Layton became his mentor, close friend and confidant. Their relationship endured for the rest of Layton’s life and was founded upon a shared devotion to poetry and a vigorous exchange of literary ideas. Cohen openly acknowledged Layton's influence, and their friendship remains one of the most significant literary relationships in modern Canadian cultural history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBound in dark blue cloth with gilt lettering to the spine. No dust jacket is present. The cloth exterior shows some fading and marking, as shown in the photographs, while the interior is very well preserved and pristine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA highly collectible copy of an important work by one of Canada's foremost modern poets: an apparent \u003cb\u003eAuthor's Proof designated A-P\u003c\/b\u003e, personally signed by Irving Layton and additionally warmly inscribed and dated in the year of publication.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDetails:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst edition, 1983\u003cbr\u003eSigned limited edition of 429 copies\u003cbr\u003eThis copy designated \u003cb\u003eA-P\u003c\/b\u003e, apparently indicating an Author's Proof\u003cbr\u003ePersonally signed by Irving Layton on the limitation page\u003cbr\u003eAdditionally inscribed and dated March 26, 1983\u003cbr\u003ePublished by Mosaic Press\/Valley Editions, Oakville, Ontario\u003cbr\u003ePrinted and bound in Canada\u003cbr\u003e95+ pages\u003cbr\u003eMeasures 6 1\/8 inches by 9 1\/4 inches\u003cbr\u003eNo dust jacket\u003cbr\u003eSome fading and marking to the exterior cloth; interior is pristine\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEtsy Tags\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eirving layton, the gucci bag, authors proof, signed poetry book, signed first edition, canadian poetry, leonard cohen, limited edition book, canadian literature, rare poetry book, montreal poet, poetry collector, literary gift\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Poppy's Vintage Clothing","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47801167741033,"sku":null,"price":225.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0273\/1559\/files\/Irving-Layton-The-Gucci-Bag-3.jpg?v=1783987632","url":"https:\/\/www.poppysvintageclothing.com\/de\/products\/irving-layton-the-gucci-bag-authors-proof-signed-inscribed-first-edition-1983-canadian-poetry","provider":"Poppy's Vintage Clothing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}