I Must Show You My Clippings by Wopko Jensma

I Must Show You My Clippings by Wopko Jensma is a distinctive and increasingly scarce collection of South African poetry, graphics, photography and visual experimentation, first published by Ravan Press in Johannesburg in June 1977. This copy is the first impression of the original edition and represents one of Jensma’s most sought-after publications.

Wopko Jensma was one of the most unconventional voices in twentieth-century South African literature and art. His work deliberately crossed linguistic, racial and cultural boundaries, incorporating English and Afrikaans alongside South African vernacular language and experimental typography. His poetry is frequently confrontational, satirical and politically charged, reflecting the tensions and contradictions of South African society during the apartheid era.

The book itself is as much a visual object as a conventional poetry collection. Jensma combines poems with his own graphics, reproduced clippings and other visual material, while photographs appearing later in the volume were produced by Karin Monteiro. The striking illustrated wrappers, unusual typography and collage-like presentation are characteristic of Jensma’s highly individual approach to publishing and visual art.

Many of the poems had previously appeared in South African literary publications including Ophir, Contrast, Quarry ’76, A World of Their Own and Open School Poetry. The volume was published by Ravan Press, an important independent South African publisher associated with socially and politically significant literature.

Jensma’s mysterious disappearance in the 1990s has added considerably to the interest surrounding his life and work. Original editions of his poetry collections have consequently become desirable pieces of South African literary and artistic history.

A particularly appealing title for collectors of Wopko Jensma, South African poetry, Africana, apartheid-era literature, artists’ books and South African modern art.

Condition – Very Good

Very good 1977 paperback. The illustrated card wrappers show light general shelf wear and minor edge and corner wear consistent with age and handling. Some spotting and age-related marks are visible, particularly to the rear wrapper. Internally the pages appear clean and well preserved overall. Binding remains sound. Please refer to the photographs for the overall condition of this copy.