The Dreamer Man: Poetic Insights by John Brett Cohen (Signed & Numbered Limited Edition)

The Dreamer Man: Poetic Insights by John Brett Cohen is an uncommon South African limited-edition volume combining poetry, personal reflection and artistic presentation. Published in Johannesburg in October 1986 by John Brett Cohen Publishing Services, this impressive large-format hardcover was issued in a strictly limited edition of only 600 individually numbered and author-signed copies. This example is particularly appealing as copy number 73 of 600, personally signed by John Brett Cohen on the limitation page.

Beautifully produced, The Dreamer Man features an elegant cream-coloured binding with gilt-style lettering and is presented in its original matching protective slipcase. The volume was illustrated and designed by noted South African artist Mickey Korzennik, adding another dimension of interest for collectors of South African art, poetry and privately published books. Other dealer records describe the work as approximately 131–132 pages and confirm the 1986 publication and limited signed issue.

Cohen’s The Dreamer Man is a distinctly South African production and an attractive example of the ambitious private press and limited-edition publishing of the period. Its combination of poetry, illustration, large-format presentation, author signature and exceptionally small limitation of 600 copies gives it considerable appeal beyond the ordinary poetry market. Copies are not commonly encountered, particularly retaining their original slipcases.

For collectors of South African poetry, signed books, limited editions, Africana, South African art books and unusual Johannesburg publications, this numbered copy of The Dreamer Man represents an appealing addition to a specialised collection.

Condition – Very Good 

The book itself presents considerably better than the slipcase, with firm binding, clean and bright pages and attractive cream boards. There are occasional slight fingerprints/handling marks to various pages and to the book cover, with minor general signs of handling. The original slipcase is in noticeably poorer condition, showing surface scuffing, scratches, rubbing, marks and general storage wear, particularly to the rear and extremities. Signed and numbered 73/600. No dust jacket was issued/present; housed in the original slipcase.