Death Row: An Affirmation of Life

San Francisco: Glide Publications, 1971. First Edition (presumed; no prior editions or printings cited). Octavo in illus self-wrappers and black endpapers; 242p; illustrations; 23cm Very good (+) to near fine (-); sharp crisp copy with a bit of foxing mostly to top edge; pages are clean, and binding tight; some slight edgewear to wraps and superficial reading creases to spine. Paperback. ISBN: 0912078127

Uncommon. Pb. "In the midst of poetry I encountered Death Row. While editing the San Francisco Oracle I was introduced to Jack Rainsberger, Death Row, Nevada State Prison, via a mutual friend. Four years later, the intense interface of two beings on either side of Life Row has grown to become this book. There are the affirmations of life that deep introspection and contemplation have brought forth. They are the writings of men who know best what the taking of life can mean. They are the sunds of the spirit struggling to make it back to the surface. They are the healing chants, prayers, expergations, confessions, exorcisms, percolations, ego tales, fantasies and love songs of the condemned. They are part of us all."--Stephen Levine (editor) // Compiled and Edited by Stephen Levine. With the Assistance of Dovie C. Mathis, A-84403, Death Row, San Quentin [;] and the Inspiration of Jack Rainsberger, A7588, Death Row, Nevada State Prison; Includes 'Trial by Ordeal' by Caryl Chessman.