Head of a Sad Angel: Stories 1953–1966
Chester, Alfred. Black Sparrow Press, 1990. Softbound. Edited by Edward Field. Foreword by Gore Vidal. Chester, left bald after a series of childhood X-rays, wore a conspicuous wig for most of his life ('It was like having an ax driven straight down the middle of my body,' he wrote of the first time he donned one), famously joined Paul and Jane Bowles in Morocco in 1963 (he fell out with them after attempting to blackmail Paul), and in his later years of mental-health decline, insisted he was receiving 'orders' to marry Susan Sontag. This fiction collection features typically handsome design by BSP's self-taught virtuoso, Barbara Martin, with goldenrod flyleaves, incredible three-color title page, and a cover that geometrically deconstructs Nagel.
Tight, square, uncreased spine has some toning. Former owner blind-stamp to the front flyleaf, but interior is else clean and unmarked. Light edge-wear and a few very small areas of light soiling to the covers, but no other notable wear. 377 pp. Featured Rare & Collectible.
