Collection of books from the personal library of author Erica Jong

Title: [Collection of books, mostly poetry, from the library of Erica Jong]

Author: [Various authors]

Publication: [Various places of publication]: [Various publishers], 1956-2013.

Description: Collection of 21 books from the library of writer Erica Jong (née Mann), twelve with her ownership signature, eight with presentation inscriptions or letters to Jong, and one with a presentation inscription by Jong. Notably, includes two letters from women poets reflecting on the personal impact of Jong’s novel “Fear of Flying.” The collection suggests the influence of Jong's groundbreaking treatment of women and sexuality on contemporary authors, as well as the development of Jong's own work as a poet and novelist. Mix of hardcover and paperback books, from various publishers, published between 1956 and 2013, including some first editions. The signatures and inscriptions are dated 1961-2013 and provide insight into what Jong was reading at different points in her career, including her time as an undergraduate student at Barnard and the period of time surrounding the publication of her first book of poetry "Fruits & Vegetables" (1971) and her first novel "Fear of Flying" (1973). Many of the books are poetry titles; poets represented include William Empson, Dylan Thomas, Alan Dugan, Edward Field, Ron Loewinsohn, Elaine Feinstein, Osip Mandelstam, Gertrud Kolmar, Lord Byron, and others. The volume of collected poems by Dylan Thomas is heavily annotated by Jong.

Also included are books inscribed to Jong by Suzanne Massie, a scholar of Russian history who played an important role in ending the Cold War; Howard Moss, long-time poetry editor of "The New Yorker"; Dante Maffia, celebrated Italian poet; and others. In addition, the collection includes a book of Irina Ratushinskaya's poetry, sent to Jong by Andrew Nurnberg, literary agent, with a note by him about scheduling a meeting between Jong and Ratushinskaya. Jong's own advance reading copy of her book "Any Woman's Blues" is included, as well.

Mild shelfwear and some sunned spines, but all items in Very Good or better condition.

Erica Jong, who has published 25 books over five decades, is best known for her debut novel "Fear of Flying" (1973) and its frank depictions of women's sexuality and feminism. In addition to her novels, Jong has published eight volumes of poetry. With a number of poetry titles, this collection lends particular insight into her development as a poet.

For more than 40 years (1976-2020), Jong had a home in Weston, Connecticut that served as her “writing sanctuary.” These books are from her personal home library. Upon the sale of the home, the books were donated to a local library, from which they were purchased.