Arcana:

(BERMAN, WALLACE) (SEMINA). Berman, Wallace. Larkspur, CA: Self-Published, 1961. First Edition 1/200. 8vo. Chipboard Portfolio. Artist's Periodical. Good.. np, 18 individual inserts printed offset on cardstock or paper housed a printed paper pocket, 11 monochrome illustrations + front cover. This seventh installment of "Semina" - Wallace Berman's legendary, and legendarily scarce handmade literary and art periodical - is subtitled "Aleph". Published in Larkspur in 1961, unlike its predecessors that anthologized work from the movers and shakers of the West Coast Beat scene, this number is entirely devoted entirely to contributions by Berman himself. It is comprised of eighteen loose reproductions of photographs, drawings, and text - many of which combine these elements. A complete, internally handsome example of this exceedingly uncommon item limited to two hundred unnumbered copies. The eleven photographic reproductions on cardstock are bright and fresh, while several of the text pieces printed on matte paper show typical minor soiling, offsetting, and age-toning. The printed white pocket into which these are gathered is still securely affixed to the inside rear cover. Externally, the title pastedown on the front cover shows some mild rubbing and foxing, and the brittle, highly acidic chipboard covers have light overall wear, age-toning, and soiling. More notably, the covers have separated cleanly along the length of the spine, and there are two triangular chips of paper loss along the bottom edge - one on the rear at the heel of the spine, and a tiny one at the foredge front corner. Both detached fragments are present, and we have decided to let the next owner deal with their preferences for any paper restoration. All in all, this is a most presentable copy of a truly remarkable Wallace Berman item that looks far nicer in hand than it describes that has been priced accordingly. Inventory Number: 026125