The Ticket That Exploded

Paris: Olympia Press, 1962. First Edition, preceding all others. INSCRIBED by author William S. Burroughs to noted Merry Prankster Gary Goldhill: "For Gary Goldhill / With best wishes / William Burroughs." One of 5000 copies printed, with a Byron Gysin printed drawing on the last page of the text and a price of 18 N.F. on the rear panel of the book, as called for in Maynard and Miles.

In 1963, Gary Goldhill, then working as a journalist, sent Burroughs some questions, which is likely when this book was inscribed. Burroughs recorded his responses to Goldhill's questions on a tape recorder, producing some 30 minutes of spoken word material, which subsequently made their way into popular culture through underground magazines, lectures, and more.

Goldhill is one of the figures Tom Wolfe references as a member of the League of Spiritual Discovery in his book, "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test." Goldhill worked for the BBC, Wolfe notes, until he took some magic mushrooms in San Miguel de Allende, and in so doing discovered, as Wolfe put it, “the Management and gave up all, all the TV BBC game, and dedicated himself to The Life." Goldhill is also known for his work as an artist while living in Haight-Ashbury in the 1960s.

Just a hint of a lean, overall About Near Fine in the trademark green Olympia Press softcover wrappers, in an about Very Good example of the card dust jacket, as issued. Jacket is complete with minor loss at the crown and corners, and with scattered foxing and rubbing (see image).

Maynard & Miles A6a. Schottlaender A6a. Schoaf 6. Kearney 5.91.1.

[Book #167270]