Babel (First Edition, inscribed by the author to Clarissa Dalrymple, with two letters from the author to Glenn O'Brien) by Patti Smith - 1978

New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1978. First Edition. First Edition, softcover, issued simultaneously with the hardcover edition. Inscribed by Patti Smith in a contemporary hand on the half-title page to noted art curator Clarissa Dalrymple: "To Clarissa / My divine supplier of the necessary serums / Patti Lee."

Laid in are two letters from Smith, both with their original mailing envelopes addressed in Smith's hand, to writer Glenn O'Brien. The first is a typed letter signed, postmarked May 19, 1972, thanking O'Brien for mentioning her first book, "Seventh Heaven" (1972), in Interview magazine. The second is an autograph letter signed, undated but postmarked 1976, written on the verso of a French TWA map while on tour, regarding an O'Brien piece in "Oui" magazine, as well as playfully expressing her keenness for the magazine's May 1976 covergirl, Sylvia Kristel.

Dalrymple is an independent art curator who championed early exhibitions of many of contemporary art's most crucial players. She has been heavily immersed in the New York art scene since the early 1970s.

O'Brien, a member of Andy Warhol's Factory in the 1960s, was a fixture of New York's punk and art scenes for over five decades. The first editor of Interview magazine, O'Brien also worked as editor of "Rolling Stone" and "High Times" magazines. O'Brien is also known for hosting the New York public access show TV Party, which aired from 1978 to 1982.

Very Good plus in illustrated card wrappers. Housed in a Near Fine custom clamshell box and chemise.

Letters and envelopes Very Good plus to Near Fine overall.