Irving Layton The Gucci Bag Author's Proof Signed Inscribed First Edition 1983 Canadian Poetry

A particularly scarce and desirable Author's Proof copy of the signed limited first edition of The Gucci Bag 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.

Published 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 "A-P" on the limitation page and personally signed by Irving Layton beneath.

In the context of limited-edition books, the designation A-P generally indicates an Author's Proof, 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.

Adding considerably to the interest and association value of this particular copy is a warm personal inscription by Layton on the half-title page:

"For Diane Parent, with fondest memories, best wishes, and a warm embrace. Irving Layton, Oakville, Ont., March 26, 1983."

The inscription is especially noteworthy because it is dated March 26, 1983, concurrent with the book's year of publication. 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.

The Gucci Bag 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.

Irving Layton (1912–2006) 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.

Layton also played an important role in the life and literary development of Leonard Cohen. 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.

Bound 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.

A highly collectible copy of an important work by one of Canada's foremost modern poets: an apparent Author's Proof designated A-P, personally signed by Irving Layton and additionally warmly inscribed and dated in the year of publication.

Details:

First edition, 1983
Signed limited edition of 429 copies
This copy designated A-P, apparently indicating an Author's Proof
Personally signed by Irving Layton on the limitation page
Additionally inscribed and dated March 26, 1983
Published by Mosaic Press/Valley Editions, Oakville, Ontario
Printed and bound in Canada
95+ pages
Measures 6 1/8 inches by 9 1/4 inches
No dust jacket
Some fading and marking to the exterior cloth; interior is pristine

Etsy Tags

irving 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