The Open Circle : Epigrams and Letter-less Writings
New York: Una Editions, 1984. Perfect-bound, large octavo, pictorial wraps, 96 pp. Lesser-known epigrammatic writings of abstract expressionist and medical scientist, Alfred L. Copley. The title was inspired by an exchange between a Zen abbot and Copley in 1965 during a prompt to make ink drawings in an isolated large temple room. When the abbot returned to see what Copley had created, he also showed him an illustration he had made and told Copley they made the same drawing. To this Copley responded, no they are different, your drawing is of a closed circle and mine is an open circle for I must have a way out. The illustrations, described by the philosopher Heinrich Bluecher as 'cosmic stenography,' accompany Copley's habitual epigrams having 'no purpose of any kind.' This copy has a title page inscription, 'To Sally and Henry with all good wishes [...]' dated 21 December 1986. Very good condition, spine lightly soiled and sunned, covers age-toned and sunned with some soiling and scuffing. Item #2282
Price: $150.00