Swinging Syllables: Beatnik Dictionary.
Memphis: Kimbrough Publishing 1959.
Item #SKB-13993
32mo. Pamphlet. First edition. The first full-length beatnik dictionary solely devoted to beatnik, drug, and hipster lingo. Within a year of publication this book was pirated twice, first as "Beatnik Dictionary," and then a revised and expanded edition was issued under the title "Beat Talk." Illustrated with charming cartoon drawings of beatnik scenes. Advertised in popular magazines of the period and only available by mail order. Included is a small illustrated ad cut from Playboy magazine: "Swinging Syllables The Official Handbook For Everyone In Orbit. Packed with words and phrases straight from infinity. Send One Skin (1.00)." Also present is the original (worn) mailing envelope from Kimbrough Publishing that we've never seen before. Handling indentations to covers, some soiling to white back cover, very good. A rare and important book in the lineage of hip slang, the beatnik-era equivalent of Cab Calloway's landmark "Hepster's Dictionary" of the '30s.
Price: $600.00