I’m not a real “collector” but I do have some interesting items I stumbled across by accident mostly. A mint 1st edition hardback of Nova Express (someone gave it to me). An English paperback of Dead Fingers Talk, a copy of Gysin’s To Master, and 2 of his mum’s flower-arranging books. And the biggest prize is a 1st edition of You Can’t Win. It’s in terrible shape, but I found it in a thrift shop for a dollar. An insane bit of luck. I saw the same edition, in better shape and with the dust jacket, for sale online for 10k.

Actually, I somehow have 2 copies of Gysin’s book. Fragments of the dust jacket are inside. One is a cancelled library book. According to the fragment, it sold for three dollars. I’d be willing to part with one of them. I feel bad thinking I have 2 if someone out there has been looking and can’t find a copy.

I grew up a military brat and then until about age 36 kept up moving, not only from city to city, state to state, but within cities I’d end up living in two or more places. When I finally bought a house I was ready to stop. People keep trying to convince me to leave my little house and head to the city, but man after so many moves, I’m ready to stay put. 6 states. 4 countries. It’s not a bad way to live but ultimately it caught up and I just want to stay put! Burroughs seemed to arrived at that point a little later.

Interesting coincidence. I worked in St Louis in the mid-90s for a month for Circus Flora, and our tent was within walking distance of the Burroughs house on Pershing. At the time, it was for sale, too! Lovely house. Given it’s location I bet it was expensive.