Loose Leaf, unbound edition of this rare original handmade silkscreened literary art book. Created by literary icon Henry Miller and artist Bezalel Schatz from text excerpted from Miller's book "Black Spring." Signed at the rear by both Miller and Schatz.

82 pages. All pages are present. (The bound edition had 86 pages total which included four blank pages at the front.)

The original screened blue cloth binding cover with orange flocked decoration is included.

Bezalel Schatz was Miller's brother-in-law at the time the book was created. Schatz conceived the project and created the silkscreens, taking nearly two years to complete the work while living in Big Sur.

Seven double page color illustrations and many single page color illustrations and ornaments.

(Folio) 14½x11¾

The book is overall in Good+ to Very Good Condition. There is occasional very mild evidence of fingering. The double page illustrations show some wear along the creases. One page has a 1/2" closed tear on the edge. We will send detailed close-up photos on request.

As with other known copies of these unbound sheets, this one has suffered some worm damage and there are occasional small worm holes. Some of these holes can be seen in the photographs. Please feel free to ask for close-up photos.

Shifreen & Jackson, A60a: "The copyright page notes that this edition was limited to 800 copies, however, this is in error. 800 sets of the sheets were printed in 1947 along with the silk screen blue cloth used for the binding. Somewhat less than 200 copies were bound, enclosed in slipcases and put on sale in April 1947, and with the remaining sheets stored in Miller's closet. In 1971 and 1977, additional binding of the first edition sheets would occur (see Shifreen & Jackson A60b and A60c). Numbered copies, with all of the First Edition points are known to exist at least through copy no. 164 ... Approximately 400 of the original 600 sets stored in Miller's closet were destroyed by 'worms' [also described by Miller as 'rats and fungus']."